Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, freed from jail by the Federal Court this morning, will be issued an ordinary international passport within a day to expedite his departure to Germany for endoscopic surgery on a slipped disc.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said this at a packed press conference this afternoon, after launching the Malaysia ICT Week 2004 at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Anwar, who previously held a diplomatic passport, had said this morning that he was unable to leave immediately for Munich because he does not have a valid travel document.

Abdullah, who was kept busy fielding a number of questions related to Anwar, looked relaxed throughout, but was guarded in his remarks.

On claims that the Saudi Arabian government had offered to fly Anwar to Munich on a private jet, the prime minister denied any knowledge of this.

"I'm not aware of this. If they have (done so), then they should have told me about it, but there is no mention, no indication (of anything like this)."

He said the government recognises the Federal Court's decision to quash Anwar's conviction and sentence for sodomy, and said that Anwar - as a free man - could do whatever he chooses to.

'No inquiry'

Asked if he expected any problems from the opposition using the issue as ceramah material, he said: "Why should this have any adverse affect on peace and stability? If anyone wants to be jubilant and celebrate (his release), we cannot stop them."

On whether Umno, the party that expelled Anwar as deputy president in September 1998, would accept him back, Abdullah said: "Don't ask me hypothetical questions."

Anwar had said he did not rule out the possibility of rejoining Umno. However, Abdullah said he was informed prior to the press conference that Anwar had made a public statement that he was committed to opposition politics.

As to whether he would meet Anwar for a political reconciliation, Abdullah smilingly retorted: "He and I? We've not been fighting."

The prime minister was also asked if today's decision showed that there was a resurgence of judicial independence.

"We have always maintained that the judiciary is independent," he replied.

He denied any link between the judgment and a rise in the stock exchange today, countering that the first and second quarter economic performance had elicited the spike in investor interest.

Abdullah also dismissed the idea that a royal commission of inquiry would be set up into the judicial process following today's Federal Court ruling.

"There is no need for that. It was an open court hearing, and the whole world knew what went on here ... everyone knows about it," he added.