Malaysia's Anwar refused bail - BBC News

Malaysia's court of appeal has refused to grant bail to jailed former Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar reacted in court by shouting that the judges were "spineless".

He had asked to be freed from prison pending an appeal against a conviction for sodomy so he could travel abroad for medical treatment.

His appeal was being watched for signs of a new approach to the case, now the country's new Prime Minister, Abdullah Badawi, has taken office.

"We are unanimous in our conclusion that the first applicant (Anwar) had failed to demonstrate reasonably to our satisfaction that his case is within the category of 'special or exceptional circumstances' which warrants his release on bail pending appeal," the panel of appeal court judges said in a written judgement after the hearing.

The court also ruled that it does not have the power to review its decision last year to reject his appeal against Anwar's conviction for sodomy.

[More at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3415715.stm]

Najib pledges loyalty and full dedication - Daily Express

NAJIB on Wednesday pledged to help Abdullah in administering the country with loyalty and dedication.

He said as required of a Deputy Prime Minister, he was willing to work with full dedication and muster the skills and abilities to implement the work that needed to be done.

Najib was speaking at his maiden press conference as the new Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister at the Defence Ministry in Kuala Lumpur.

He said he was aware of the heavy responsibilities entrusted to him but was confident of discharging them to the best of his abilities with the prayers and co-operation of all Malaysians.

He also thanked the Prime Minister for placing his confidence in him to serve as his deputy.

“I am determined to be a deputy who is able to help the Prime Minister to the best of my abilities in implementing the Government policies and agenda laid down by him,” said Najib, who is also the Defence Minister.

Najib said he would focus on the Prime Minister’s agenda to come up with a more efficient government and delivery system and combat corruption.

[More at http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=24014]

Malaysia PM names deputy - BBC News

Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has ended months of speculation by appointing a deputy.

Najib Tun Razak is expected to be sworn in later on Wednesday, in a move that is being seen as a sign that Mr Abdullah is preparing to call a general election.

Malaysians have been waiting to find out who he would make his second in command ever since it was announced 18 months ago that he would become prime minister.

The deputy's post is seen as a stepping-stone to the top job and many will now expect Mr Najib, Malaysia's defence minister, to succeed his boss when he eventually stands down.

Mr Abdullah is said to have delayed naming a deputy until his key policies were established.

With his political platform and his number two in place, Malaysians can expect to go to the polls within months.

[More at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3374819.stm]