Shouts of "Reformasi!" and "Arrest Mahathir!" rang out in central Kuala Lumpur again as Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial resumed after a break of more than two months.

Opposition groups accused police of using excessive force in breaking up a peaceful 200-strong gathering and protesters said demonstrations would continue Wednesday.

"We are spiralling up the ladder of authoritarianism so rapidly that one day Malaysians may wake up to a totalitarian state," said rights group Suaram, describing police conduct as "offensive, brutal and unruly."

Tian Chua, vice-president of the National Justice Party founded by Anwar's wife, told AFP protesters would converge again Wednesday at the high court.

But local police chief Mohamad Bakri Zinin accused the protestors of acting provocatively. "We were soft in our approach."

He told AFP that the 11, including two women, had been detained for illegal assembly and would be brought to court Wednesday. He warned police would take action against any further protests.

Scuffles broke out as the arrests were made but no serious violence was reported.

Among those leading the protests was Keadilan youth chief Mohamad Ezam Mohamad Nor. He was arrested this month along with three other opposition figures and a publisher.

Also among the five arrested was Karpal Singh, one of Anwar's lawyers.

He was charged with sedition over his remarks in the sodomy trial last September, alleging a possible plot to poison his client with arsenic while in jail.

Karpal told Judge Arifin Jaka on Tuesday that Attorney General Mohtar Abdullah was "in contempt of this court" for charging him with sedition.

"As a lawyer I am duty bound to stand up in defence of my client without fear or favour," he said.

But prosecutor Abdul Gani Patail argued Karpal should not "falsely accuse anyone of an act which is of no relevance to the ongoing trial."

Arifin said he would not comment on the "landmark" sedition case, but called for it to be "tried in court and deliberated."

An independent medical inquiry found Anwar was not suffering from acute arsenic poisoning at the time its tests were conducted.

Karpal also told the court that Mahathir, currently on vacation overseas, would be "on standby" to give evidence as there had been no move to set aside a witness subpoena served on the premier.

Anwar, sacked as deputy premier and finance minister in September 1998, was jailed for six years last April for abusing his official powers to cover up allegations of sexual misconduct.

Anwar, who faces up to 20 years if convicted of sodomy, gave evidence Tuesday about "poison pen" letters circulating in 1997.

These contained sexual allegations against him by Azizan Abu Bakar, former driver for Anwar's wife and the man whom Anwar and his co-accused, Sukma Darmawan, are accused of sodomising.

Ummi Hafilda, the sister of Anwar's then-private secretary, also wrote a letter to Mahathir complaining of Anwar's alleged sexual misconduct.

Anwar said Azizan later sought his forgiveness verbally and in writing and accused Ummi of fabricating lies.

"Based on the letter and public statements by Azizan and his confession to me seeking my forgiveness... I was then convinced that there was a high-level conspiracy that involved prominent politicians," he said.

Anwar said Attorney General Mohtar later "told me in no uncertain terms that there were personalities close to the prime minister involved but not the PM himself."

Just eight days before he was sacked, Anwar said he wrote a seven-page letter to the premier to clarify certain issues but reiterate his loyalty and "after I was quite convinced that (Mahathir) had agreed with the conspirators."

The case adjourned at midday and continues Wednesday.