``There is a very strong possibility because I have been given encouragement especially by the people of Kubang Pasu themselves,'' Wan Azizah wan Ismail told BBC Radio in an interview.

Kubang Pasu is Mahathir's political base where Wan Azizah addressed some 10,000 cheering supporters yesterday night.

In her boldest political move since her husband was sacked and arrested, Wan Azizah told the crowd that she was considering running head-to-head against Mahathir in elections due by April 2000.

The rally in Kubang Pasu district was organised by a coalition of opposition parties and rights groups which have condemned Anwar's arrest and indictment on corruption and sodomy charges, which he denies.

``Of course it was suggested that I contest there (Kubang Pasu), but I have notmade up my mind yet whether to go into active politics,'' Wan Azizah told the BBC.

Asked what she was waiting for, she said, ``I am waiting for my husband to be out because if he is out of detention and his name is cleared he will be able to take over.''

Anwar is currently in a prison outside Kuala Lumpur, standing trial on four corruption charges. He faces another five sodomy charges and a fifth corruption charge.