Malaysia's Anwar Released On Bail

Malaysian police have released opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on bail after he was arrested over allegations of sodomy. His lawyers said he had left custody, but could still face charges. He spent a night in detention having been arrested by police for questioning over the allegations, on which he had been due to make a statement. Mr Anwar urged his supporters to remain calm. He denies the allegations, saying they are politically-motivated. The former deputy prime minister is expected to hold a news conference at 1400 local time (0600 GMT). His arrest is likely to exacerbate the political tensions that have emerged since the opposition's unprecedented gains in the general election of March 2008.

Intense pressure
Mr Anwar's arrest will have been seen as provocative by Malaysian opposition groups, says the BBC's Robin Brant in Kuala Lumpur. When he was arrested on similar charges 10 years ago, his supporters staged large demonstrations.