The first to suffer from the strange ailment was Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who successfully avoided making a court appearance last month. The latest to fall victim to the disease were Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin and Deputy Education Minister Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin, who this month applied to set aside subpoenas served on them to testify at the trial.

"This phobic anxiety causes the victims physiological symptoms such as a rapid, pounding heartbeat, stomach disorders, nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, choking feelings, flushing of the face, perspiration, tremulousness, and faintness," the doctor explained. "They should avoid strenuous activities such as horse riding."

He added that sufferers are also unable to confront their fears and avoid the situation or object that causes the fear. They walk around in a daze, mumbling repeatedly "I am in no position to give any relevant or material evidence or personal knowledge of any person or persons planning to end the political career of Anwar Ibrahim."