WASHINGTON (AFP) - Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, today warned during a US visit that her husband's condition had deteriorated after he was refused permission to travel overseas for a back operation.

Wan Azizah told reporters that Anwar was suffering from a prolapsed disc in his spine, was in great pain and needed corrective surgery available only outside Malaysia.

She said Anwar, arrested in 1998 on what supporters say were trumped-up charges of sodomy and corruption, is forced to move slowly and carefully, wears a neck brace and uses a wheelchair as sudden movements could worsen his condition.

Anwar's injuries may have been sustained during police beatings soon after his arrest, she said.

"Physically I think, my husband has lost a lot of his energy," said Wan Azizah, leader of the opposition National Justice Party (Keadilan).

Anwar's arch political enemy, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has said his decision to refuse his former deputy an overseas operation is final.

But two days ago, members of Anwar's family delivered a letter asking Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to allow him to go abroad for treatment.

Wan Azizah is in Washington as the guest of the Islamic Society of North America (Isna) and had held several meetings with prominent members of Congress including Henry Hyde, chairman of the House International Relations Committee.

She said she had found a "very receptive" audience, and was also due today to visit senior State Department officials.

Anwar is serving a total of 15 years for abuse of power and sodomy but maintains he is a political prisoner. He has become the symbol of opposition to Mahathir, who completes 20 years in office in July.