PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and deputy mursyidul am Dr Haron Din were among high-profile visitors to have met ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim who is undergoing physiotherapy in Munich following surgery to correct a slipped disc.

Anwar's aide Azmin Ali told malaysiakini that Abdul Hadi, Haron and Anwar had a closed-door meeting for almost two hours yesterday at the Alpha Klinik where Anwar is being treated.

"I am told that the three had extensive discussions on political developments, the future of opposition parties and the steps to be taken in forging a better Alternative Front," said Azmin when contacted.

Abdul Hadi and Haron was accompanied by PAS central committee member Dr Hatta Ramli who, however, did not take part in the private discussion.

Azmin said Anwar has also received a courtesy call from Australia's former foreign affairs minister Gareth Evans, who is now president of the International Crisis Group based in Brussels, and that they discussed current global issues.

Review of treatment

On Anwar's health, he said the surgeon Dr Thomas Hoogland has drawn up an intensive rehabilitation programme up to Sept 25. This requires Anwar to undergo two sessions of physiotherapy for two hours daily.

"By Sept 25, Dr Hoogland will review the progress to determine if Anwar should continue with his rehabilitation programme."

Malaysiakini had earlier reported that Anwar plans to perform the umrah in Mecca on completion of rehabilitation, and will then return home.

Anwar left for Munich on Sept 4, three days after the Federal Court quashed his conviction and nine-year jail sentence for a sodomy offence. The operation was performed last Monday.

He had been admitted to Kuala Lumpur Hospital from June 12 for back pain. This was diagnosed as spinal stenosis, a narrowing of spaces in the spine that results in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.