Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim said to that a RM4.5 million damages award over a book that triggered his 1998 sacking had cleared his name and proved he was the victim of a conspiracy.

The author of 50 Reasons Why Anwar Cannot Be PM , Khalid Jafri, has already been sentenced to jail for accusing Anwar of sodomy, corruption and an extra-marital affair that resulted in an illegitimate daughter.

"The defendants' main purpose in publishing the book was to destroy the plaintiff's reputation and political career," said High Court judge Mohamad Hishamudin Mohamad Yunus in a strongly-worded decision.

A visibly happy and relaxed Anwar embraced his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail outside the court and greeted supporters.

"At last there is a judgment which finally takes full cognisance of the conspiracy to destroy my political career which has always been my position from day one," he said.

"The judgment clears my name. I have been completely vindicated."

Anwar said he would discuss with his family and lawyers how to disburse the money to the needy.

"The quantum is not important, it's a matter of honour of truth and my vindication," he said.

The award of RM4.5 million included RM4 million for defamation, RM500,000 for "conspiracy to injure", plus all legal costs.

Hishamudin said awards of this size were unusual in Malaysia, but that it reflected the gravity of the charges against Anwar, his high position at the time, and the lack of apology from the defendants "who until today remain defiant".

Anwar, heir apparent to then-premier Mahathir Mohamad, was sacked in September 1998 and subsequently convicted on corruption and sodomy charges which he said were engineered to prevent him challenging Mahathir for the leadership.

He was released in September last year after the sodomy charges were overturned.

Found guilty

Khalid, 65, was found guilty last month of writing false information in his book. The court ruled that the child in question was the legitimate offspring of Anwar's former private secretary, Mohamad Azmin Ali.

Khalid was freed on bail pending an appeal. However, early this month he was admitted to hospital for treatment for diabetes. His right leg was amputated and he was put on a life support machine.

His wife Rozihan Abdul Ghani was named as the second defendant in the libel case, in her role as publisher of the book.

Khalid's lawyers said they had not yet made a decision on whether to appeal, but Anwar's legal representatives said they expected one to be lodged.

The suit is the second Anwar has brought to court this month.

In early August he successfully won an apology from the former police chief who beat him after his arrest, as well as undisclosed damages, in a result he hailed as a step forward for human rights in Malaysia.

Anwar is barred from holding political office until 2008 under regulations governing convicted criminals.

However, in recent weeks he has revealed new political ambitions, centred on the opposition Keadilan party headed by his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail which will contest general elections to be held in 2008.