MALAYSIA'S Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has given opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim until Thursday to hand over an original recording of a controversial video he made public a month ago or risk arrest.

The video clip purportedly showed a senior lawyer speaking on the phone to a top judge, telling the latter how he was using his political connections to secure appointments for top judges.

Datuk Seri Anwar said that three ACA officers issued the ultimatum to him after a three-hour meeting at his office yesterday.

He denounced the agency's attempt to uncover the whistleblower, rather than going after the lawyer and the judge who were supposedly implicated in the video.

"It is an anathema that the ACA would be so concerned about the tape's authenticity when those featured in it...have not been investigated or issued any public denial of the conversation that is featured in the videotape," said Datuk Seri Anwar after the meeting.

If he fails to comply, he could be fined up to RM10,000 (S$4,300)or jailed for up to two years.

He described the move as 'a witch-hunt for the whistleblowers', and accused the government of delaying a proper investigation by diverting public attention.

"The guarantee of their personal safety and immunity from legal action are yet unanswered questions that must be addressed in order for the remainder of the tape to be released," said the former deputy prime minister.

The clip has caused a furore, triggering speculation over corruption and abuse of power in the promotion and demotion of Malaysian judges.

To contain the damage, the government was forced to set up a panel to probe its authenticity. But critics say the panel is toothless as it has no legal powers to call up witnesses.

No one has come forward to volunteer information to the panel, which was formed.