I CONGRATULATE everyone especially those who had arduously conducted the series of tests in connection with the alleged arsenic poisoning of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Its negative results effectively ended speculation sparked by this allegation. This was not the first time Anwar and the reformasi people had concocted lies to gain the people's sympathy. Earlier, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Ismail had claimed that Anwar would be injected with the HIV virus but this was proven to be false.

As someone who has been diligently following this case, I now expect Anwar to spring more surprises to gain sympathy and destabilise the political situation.

I feel it would not be too far-fetched to anticipate more mischief from him, including resorting to hunger strikes. By refusing food, Anwar can achieve a few targets simultaneously.

One is he could receive medical attention outside the prison walls. The hospital will be a safe haven. He will be able to contact supporters and allies on the telephone and issue instructions besides being visited by fellow opposition politicians.

To be released on bail, a new theme in statements by Wan Azizah, will be an added bonus.

By refusing food, Anwar wishes to be regarded as someone like Mahatma Gandhi. The difference is Gandhi was venerated and Anwar has lately degenerated into a conniving political animal.

It is in his political interest that he remains in the thick of things and he would do his best to keep in touch with those who matter.

Ideally, this would allow him to participate in any form of pre-election pact among the opposition parties. After all, this is expected of a desperate man who dreads being sidelined in the political equation.

He knows that once the election is over, both PAS and DAP will not hesitate to ditch him after riding high on his popularity.

Every politically-conscious Malaysian knows that over time, hardcore Anwar supporters will return to their senses. That will spell the end of Anwar and he will be a liability especially to PAS.

At the same time, by refusing food, he would not be able to attend his sodomy trial where on Monday, the judge will rule whether he and his adopted brother, Sukma Darmawan Sasmitaat Madja would have to defend themselves.

ABDUL RAZAK RAHIM Kuala Lumpur.