Sacked Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, on the right side with a red megaphone, addresses supporters on his campaign Sunday, Sept 13, 1998 in Malacca, 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of Kuala Lumpur. Tens of thousands of Malaysians braved the dark Sunday night to hear their sacked deputy prime minister defend himself on sexual charges. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad removed Anwar as his deputy and finance minister Sept. 2 on allegations of sexual misconduct. Anwar has denied the allegations and blamed his ouster on a high-level political plot to stem his growing popularity and challenge to Mahathir s 17-year leadership.