Armed police march through the chaotic streets, firing shots and violently beating individual protestors with sticks. Their targets today are those who support Anwar Ibrahim- the former deputy Prime Minister jailed for 5 years on trumped-up charges. Since last year, Mahathir has cracked down on all his opponents, not just Anwar supporters. 21 people are in jail under the Internal Security Act (I.S.A), which allows police to detain anyone without evidence for two years. The I.S.A. is supposed to target those who threaten the violent overthrow of the state, but now it’s simply a means for Mahathir to silence his legitimate opposition. Ezam Nor succeeded Anwar as the opposition’s most dynamic face, but was arrested in Mahathir’s April crackdown. “I was asked about my political stand and the reasons for my opposing Dr Mahathir – there was no interrogation concerning national security,” claimed Ezam. “ I strongly believe that I was detained because they want to crack down on the student movement,” comments Khairul Anuar, a student activist. At 76, Mahathir, Asia’s longest serving leader has always been ruthless with his rivals. But he’s now willing to dismantle Malaysia’s civil liberties in his unyielding drive to retain power.

Produced by ABC Australia