news flash

Police blocked a convoy of cars from proceeding to the Sungai Buloh prison this morning to celebrate jailed ex-deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim's birthday.

About 55 vehicles, bearing banners, flags and stickers in support of Anwar, are stuck at the roadside as police had set up four roadblocks on Jalan Bandar Baru within 2km from the prison while a helicopter hovered low over them.

Only his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and their children have been allowed to pass through and enter the prison.

Anwar, who turned 54 on Friday, is serving a 15-year sentence for abuse of power and sodomy at the Sungai Buloh prison.

His family and supporters had planned a typical bash with a cake-cutting ceremony outside the prison at 11am and balloons to be released.

[Full report to follow]