Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Tuesday that leaders of Malaysia's ruling party unanimously agreed to stop former deputy leader Anwar Ibrahim from rejoining, a day before a crucial court ruling that could clear his return to politics. Abdullah told reporters after a four-hour meeting of the 25-member Supreme Council that he would not propose bringing Anwar into the ruling United Malays National Organization. Anwar's possible return to the ruling party has been a topic of intense speculation since he was freed from prison two weeks ago. "This was unanimously endorsed by the Supreme Council," Abdullah said. "I told the Supreme Council that I do not propose to bring him back to UMNO, and there is full support ... so for the moment, the door is closed." Anwar is recovering from back surgery in Germany.
