KeADILan requires a complete assessment of the party's situation to understand the grievances expressed by the reformasi websites, jailed deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said in an exclusive interview with malaysiakini today.

"The websites' role and influence in bolstering the reformasi movement is well-recognised. Personally, I marvel at their indefatigable efforts in disseminating the reformasi message as opposed to the muzzled mainstream media.

"I am therefore encouraged by their resolve to continue with the agenda whilst allowing the leadership to deliberate further the perceived contentious issues," he said in a handwritten statement.

Four reformasi websites, led by Laman Reformasi , also known as Mahazalim, launched a campaign to call for resignations of KeADILan deputy president Chandra Muzaffar and secretary-general Mohd Anuar Tahir on May 24.

Laman Reformasi, Pemantau, Komentar, Mahafiruan and Black 14 were shut down for almost a week, urging the two leaders to "give way to new faces who are more competent, transparent and sincere".

The webmasters claimed that Chandra and Anuar had failed to continue to carry through the reformasi movement started by Anwar in September 1998.

Anwar however, said that he held high regards for both Chandra and Anuar, as they were among pioneers who emerged as the core in the KeADILan leadership.

"Dr Chandra in particular helped articulate the party's agenda and played a pivotal role in the formative stages of Barisan Alternatif," he said.

He also stressed that other than one's own violation and a blatant transgression of established party rules, the question of resignation should not arise.

"Let the party process take its course. We must have full confidence in the electoral process which is truly 'free and fair,"' he added.

Anwar also reaffirmed his belief that a merger between KeADILan and PRM would greatly benefit and enhance the reformasi movement, as both shared common ideals.

But he added that he respected the wishes of members regardless of the outcome.

"It has to be a marriage by mutual consent and not by compulsion," he said.

It is expected that the merger will be among the major resolutions which will be thoroughly discussed in the two parties' forthcoming general assemblies.

PRM will be having its 33rd National Congress this weekend while KeADILan is scheduled to hold its inaugural general assembly from June 15 to 18.

According to Anwar, the recent Umno general assembly did not see any form of soul-searching or clamour for reform.

He added that had the two top positions been challenged, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed and his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi might have lost their positions as party president and deputy president respectively.

"Dr Mahathir's call for the fight against corruption was hypocritical and runs hollow emanating from the one who stands accused for colossal abuse of power, corruption, cronyism and nepotism," he said.

Anwar also brushed aside the recent rumour that his eldest daughter Nurul Izzah is romantically involved with KeADILan youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor.

He claimed that the rumour was nothing but a habitual tactic by Mahathir and Barisan Nasional to manufacture lies and scandalise any party who is seen as a threat to the ruling clique.

"Obviously, KeADILan leaders and members of my family are high on the list.

"The public by now seems familiar with the drama, with malicious allegations, forced confessions, arranged convictions," he said.