American lobbyist Jack Abramoff's goal to improve Malaysia's public image was made more difficult by the actions being taken in Malaysia.

In April 2001, the police arrested 10 opposition activists, including eight leaders of Parti Keadilan Rakyat, of which former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim was adviser.

Among those arrested were malaysiakini columnist Hishamuddin Rais, and Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the director of the Free Anwar Campaign.

(They also 'arrested' Raja Petra's computer. I believe that is when the government learnt of my role in the international campaign to free Anwar. Abramoff got US$1.2 million for his efforts, but I didn't ask for or take a penny.)