The indefinite detention of Malaysia's ousted deputy prime minister, Mr Anwar Ibrahim, sparked a second day of clashes in the Malaysian capital yesterday with more than 100 reportedly held in a fresh government crackdown.
Riot police battled in the morning with more than 1,000 people, who had waited in vain for Mr Anwar outside the main courthouse until police announced he would be held under the Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial.
Two of Mr Anwar's right-hand men in the youth wing of the ruling United Malays National Organisation, together with four leaders of a Muslim youth movement Mr Anwar had once headed, were also picked up under the draconian law, officials said.
Opposition leader, Mr Lim Kit Siang, and a local human rights group condemned the crackdown, with the group denouncing "baseless police brutality" and "gross human rights violations".
Police meanwhile detained 101 people for questioning following Mr Anwar's arrest, a television network reported.
Outside the national stadium where the Commonwealth Games were being closed by Queen Elizabeth last night, police with batons and shields dispersed hundreds of protesters.
Earlier plans for a demonstration at the stadium by thousands of supporters gathered outside Mr Anwar's home apparently fizzled out, with police guarding the sporting venue with exceptionally heavy security.
Mr Anwar had toured the country, attracting tens of thousands to rallies with his calls for political reform, after being sacked by his one-time protege, the Prime Minister, Mr Mahathir Mohamad, on September 2nd. Riot police broke down the door of his house on Sunday night and arrested him on unspecified charges.
Allegations of sexual misconduct and treason have been made against Mr Anwar, who until recently had been Mr Mahathir's heir apparent.
Mr Anwar's wife, Ms Azizah Wan Ismail, who has taken up the campaign to bring down Mr Mahathir, said she had real worries for her husband.
"I do not know what is happening to him. I fear for his life. Anwar must be freed. He is innocent," she told reporters.
Queen Elizabeth officially closed the Commonwealth Games yesterday as her state visit to Malaysia was overshadowed by fears she could be embroiled in the country's political unrest.
"Her security is paramount," a British official said after the Foreign Secretary, Mr Robin Cook, met Mr Mahathir.
Britain also intervened in a censorship row to ensure that television broadcasts to London of the street disturbances were not blocked by the Malaysians.
Extra guards had to be posted outside Carcosa, the colonial mansion where the queen was staying, as riot police used tear gas and water cannon to break up antigovernment demonstrations near by.