updated version

Chaos reigned for a short while when several police vehicles, including water cannon trucks from the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) rolled into the scene on Jalan Bandar Baru, Sungai Buloh, where a convoy of about 200 cars were stuck on their way to the prison there this morning.

The crowd which had journeyed there to celebrate jailed ex-deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim's 54th birthday, were told to disperse but their attempts to do so were slowed down by the traffic jam caused by police roadblocks.

One reformasi supporter identified only as Alias Mohd Din was arrested. He put up a struggle but was immediately dragged into a police truck. Police refused to reveal any details of the arrest and shouted at reporters who tried to enquire.

The supporters had earlier attempted to drive to the prison but were forced to gather by the roadside nearly 10km away as police had set up four roadblocks and cordoned off the road leading to the prison since early morning.

Thwarted from having the celebration outside the prison, the crowd were forced to do it by the roadside. With banners and opposition party flags unfurled, they chanted "reformasi", sang songs and cut a cake at about 11.45am.

However, the bash ended soon after when FRU trucks and scores of policemen arrived at the scene.

About another 200 people residing at a nearby army camp added to the pandemonium when they shouted back at the police.

The out-of-uniform army personnel and their families, including young children who had been watching the commotion from their five-storey blocks of flats, got angry when the police told them to move off.

They started shouting at the police, and press photographers, too, for taking their pictures. One even threw a helmet against the perimeter fencing of the camp.

A helicopter hovering low added to the general disarray.

Simple celebration

However, the situation calmed an hour later when police removed the roadblock set up at the scene and allowed vehicles to pass through.

Anwar's wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and their five daughters met him for about 45 minutes and spoke to each other through a glass shield. They were only allowed physical contact in the last 15 minutes.

She told malaysiakini later that it was a simple birthday celebration. She and her daughters brought a home-baked cheese cake and fried noodles for Anwar.

According to Wan Azizah the family were told that they would not be allowed to bring food for Anwar again.

"I can't understand all the cordoning and roadblocks. The police even set up two tents outside the prison, which they never did before.

"I was told that all prison staff were recalled to work as well,," she said.

She added that Anwar was upset with the police blocks and security surrounding the town.

"My husband asked, 'Why such tight security. These are only ordinary people who wanted to wish me a happy birthday'," she said, quoting him.

Wan Azizah said her husband appeared to be in good shape but was still in pain.

"I am worried about him but he said 'birthday or not, the struggle must go on'.

"He said despite the current situation, the reformasi movement seemed to be making headway," she added.

'Time too short'

Wan Azizah said her husband also condemned the detention of the Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM) gang under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

"He said, where is the proof? The government must not hide behind the ISA. If there is nothing to hide, let the whole world see," said Wan Azizah.

Wan Azizah said Anwar was also glad to hear that former Utusan Malaysia director Raja Ahmad Amminullah had joined Keadilan after being pressured to resign for mobilising support for his right to seek medical attention overseas to treat his slipped disc.

Raja Ahmad, who had close ties with Anwar, was a student activist in London during the 1970s.

Asked when she will meet with Anwar again, Wan Azizah said her family was permitted to meet him once a week due to his health problems. They were only permitted to see Anwar once every fortnight previously.

"The time is too short. Whenever we meet him, every heartbeat is precious," she said.

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

He spent more than six months at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital after being diagnosed with a slipped disc last November.

He was moved back to prison on May 10 after he rejected the government's offer of spinal surgery at the hospital.

Anwar insists he has a right to a less risky endoscopic spinal operation in Munich, Germany.

Meanwhile, Bernama quoted district police chief Sheikh Mustafa Sheikh Ahmad as saying that they were forced to arrest the man because he ignored orders to disperse.

Sheikh Mustafa also defended the police operation involving some 150 personnel, saying they had to take action to prevent the illegal gathering.