Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) has submitted an emergency motion in the Dewan Rakyat to discuss the deteriorating health of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim and the urgent need to allow him to go for surgery abroad.

At a press conference in the Parliament lobby lobby today, Lim said he had given notice of the motion and urged the House to debate it.

Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian), who is also PAS Youth chief, submitted a similar motion earlier today.

Under Standing Order 18 (2), the House can only discuss the motion if this meets the criteria of being urgent and of definite public importance.

Anwar's wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and his lawyer Sankara Nair attended the press conference.

Lim, who is also DAP chairperson, said Anwar is suffering from worsening spinal stenosis and has developed kidney problems, and that he needs urgent medical treatment.

He said the long delay in examining and treating Anwar after an assault by then Inspector-General of Police Abdul Rahim Mohd Noor had aggravated the condition.

"He has been confined to a wheelchair for more than three years, and this has resulted in general weakness and the wasting of his muscles," Lim said.

Judicial intervention

He said the government should allow Anwar to travel to Germany for endoscopic surgery, in accordance with a basic human right that was confirmed by Human Rights Commission of Malaysia in May 2001.

"Anwar should be allowed to undergo the medical treatment of his choice which carries the least risk and highest rate of success," he added.

Sankara, in response to a question, said that judicial intervention may be sought if Anwar's request to go abroad is rejected.

"If it is dragged to that level, then we will have to seek a court order," he said.

Last week, malaysiakini reported that Anwar's condition has deteriorated and now affect his neurological functions. This could result in paralysis.