The international campaign against Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is showing some signs of success, said a daughter of jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The campaign has received support from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and other foreign countries, Nurul Izzah Anwar reported in a speech at the 2nd Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy in Sao Paolo, Brazil yesterday.

"I have had the opportunity to visit Malaysian students in England, Ireland and Australia, and the response has been nothing but positive. These visits both provide the platform to further clarify the political issues surrounding Malaysia and to build a network among local and overseas students," she added.

The four-day assembly, attended by 400 participants from about 100 countries, aims at providing a platform for activists to share experiences in building democracy at the grassroots level.

The 19-year-old Izzah, who is the eldest daughter of the former prime-minister-in-waiting, told participants that the next step of the international campaign is to strengthen the bond that has been created in these foreign countries.

She said that it is important for young democrats around the world to band together in their struggle to broaden and enhance the cause of battling corruption and defending human rights.

"We are living in a time where the march of democracy is irresistible, yet the force of authoritarianism is equally strong. The role of the youth and students is to align themselves and strengthen the forces of democracy to end all forms of tyranny and political servitude."

However, Izzah told the assembly that Malaysian students are paying a high price for their efforts in campaigning for justice.

She said that a group of students were suspended by their universities for campaigning in a recent by-election and for their involvement in street protests.

Izzah said that she entered the world of politics after her father's sacking from the government.

"The reason for my involvement, and many other Malaysians', is to ensure that democratic reform within Malaysia's political, social and economic structures takes place."