Malaysia's jailed former deputy prime minister, Anwar Ibhrahim, is complaining of increased harassment by prison officers ahead of his appeal next week against a corruption conviction.

In a statement delivered by his lawyers, Anwar says prison authorities have stepped up the frequency of his cell searches, with five senior officers sweeping his cell with metal detectors and other equipment last Friday. The statement called it "deliberate political harassment ordered by the home minister."

Associated Press quotes a press secretary to the home affairs minister as rejecting Anwar's allegations.

Anwar is due to appear in Malaysia's highest court on Monday to appeal his graft conviction. He has already lost one appeal. The Federal Court is the last legal avenue for him to overturn his April 1999 conviction and six-year jail term.

Anwar is also serving a nine-year sentence for sodomy.

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