KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he was not surprised over the recent sodomy allegation against his former deputy Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

'I am not surprised at all. He is saying it is a fabrication but he said the same thing last time,' he said when asked to comment on the new allegation.

The allegation came about after a 23-year-old former aide of Anwar lodged a police report on Saturday alleging sodomy. The de facto leader of PKR in turn filed a suit against the aide claiming defamation and malicious falsehood.

Anwar has vehemently denied the accusations and said it was a political conspiracy against him given his plans to return to Parliament.

Anwar alleged that the Government was out to get him, just when he was about to announce where he would be contesting in a by-election. The Government has denied his allegation.

'He will have lots of stories. There is always conspiracy as far as he is concerned. I'm not surprised at all,' Dr Mahathir said in an interview.

Anwar had sought refuge in the Turkish embassy on Sunday claiming his life was in danger and there were assassination plots on him.

He left the embassy on Monday evening after receiving assurance from the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister that his safety would be guaranteed.

Dr Mahathir also dismissed the notion that Anwar could topple the Government.

'Malaysia is one country where prime ministers can walk about the streets safely and not get shot at.

'When I go shopping, I don't feel threatened at all. My bodyguards, if there are, actually stay away from me.

'When people approach me, there is no problem at all. I am not worried. We are actually a very peaceful country,' he added.

Dr Mahathir also expressed disappointment over the country's current situation.