Jailed politician Anwar Ibrahim today lodged a police report against the government over defamatory allegations against him during the interrogation of 10 reformasi leaders who were held under the Internal Security Act in April.

Anwar claimed that the police and Home Affairs Ministry were guilty of criminal defamation for having "vilified and insulted" him, his wife, children and other family members while probing the ISA detainees.

The former deputy prime minister said based on the recent sworn affidavits filed by several of the detainees, it was clear that the police, especially the Special Branch, had acted in an "utmost arrogant and rude manner".

"It is a gross and manifestly excessive abuse of power and as such those involved must be prosecuted," he said.

"Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has constantly said that no one is above the law, therefore, the police must not be exempted either," he added.

Anwar's lawyer Sankara Nair sent letter of complaint later in the afternoon to Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

In April, 10 Keadilan leaders and reformasi activists were arrested by police under the ISA for allegedly trying to overthrow the government via militant means and street demonstrations.

Four were subsequently released in May but the rest were sent away for a further detention under the controversial security law which allows indefinite detention without trial.

The six were Keadilan leaders Tian Chua, Saari Sungib, Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor, Lokman Noor Adam, Dr Badrul Amin Bahron, and social activist-cum- malaysiakini columnist Hishamuddin Rais.

False statements

In September, while hearing the earlier rejection of the six's habeas corpus - a writ for releasing detainees who were arrested in bad faith - the Federal Court was told by the detainees that during the interrogation, police only pressed for information on how the opposition parties work.

The detainees claimed that they were never interrogated on their alleged militant activities, prompting criticism that the ISA arrests were merely to silence the dissidents, a charge the government denies.

The six said the police went on great lengths to persuade the detainees that Anwar had committed sexual misconduct.

They were also forced to make false statements admitting their sexual relationships with various people, including Anwar's eldest daughter.

Badrul was recently released but placed under restricted residence to the district where his stays and barred from getting involved in political activities.

Anwar is currently serving a 15-year jail term on corruption and sodomy convictions. His wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is leading Keadilan, comprising many former members of the ruling Umno.