PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar said today that since the publication of the letter written by Anwar Ibrahim that had been leaked out, her father has been subject to a clampdown.

As a result of the leak, she said, family members have a tough time meeting with him.

"Lawyers also find it difficult to meet him. They are only given access of one hour a week to meet him for documents to be signed and to receive instructions from my father," Nurul Izzah said.

It is understood that the Prisons Department has conducted an internal inquiry following the leak of the letter.

Anwar is now also subjected to body checks before he leaves the prison, said a source familiar with the opposition leader.

Last week the family filed an application for judicial review application to gain more access and physical contact with Anwar (photo) during prison visits.

Previously it was reported that the PKR de facto leader wrote an eight-page letter reminding the party leadership not to be carried away with former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's Citizens' Declaration movement, describing it as "flawed and inconsistent with reform perspectives".

Anwar confirmed that he wrote the letter as he does not want to see Mahathir dictate the agenda, as while the former premier wants to see Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak removed, the former opposition leader does not want to see the return of past practices of cronyism, corruption and tyranny.

'Zaid is entitled to his opinion'

PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail smiled when asked by Malaysiakini to comment on Zaid Ibrahim's blog posting saying Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali can replace Anwar as de facto leader if the opposition wins Sungai Besar.

“It is his opinion,” she said, adding that Zaid (photo) has never been consistent with his views.

This, she said, comes from a person who had challenged Azmin previously.

Zaid went against Azmin for the party deputy president's post in the PKR elections but pulled out a week before the contest before leaving the party.

Nurul Izzah also shared Wan Azizah's view that Zaid's posting was his own view.

Zaid had yesterday posted that Azmin could take over the role as de facto leader if he can ensure Pakatan Harapan wins the Sungai Besar by-election, and this hinges on PKR deputy president making the right decision, which is to allow Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) to contest the seat.

"If he - together with DAP - can ensure Amanah’s victory, then he will emerge as the new leader of the opposition coalition of Pakatan Harapan, unseating Anwar,” said Zaid.