Foreign experts to examine proof in sodomy case

Foreign experts to examine proof in sodomy case

from malaysian insider

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 —

Malaysia is bringing in forensic experts from abroad to examine all evidence gathered in connection with the investigation into sodomy claims against opposition icon Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

This unprecedented move is aimed at assuring the Malaysian public and foreign investors that the government is prepared to be more transparent in the handling of this case, compared with 1998 when the sodomy case against the former deputy prime minister was dogged with accusations of a conspiracy and incompetence.

The Malaysian Insider has learnt that the government has even been mulling the possibility of using a special prosecutor if the case goes to court.

But even if a top-notch foreign lawyer is not hired to lead the prosecution, Attorney-General Tan Sri Gani Patail will not handle the case, the administration has decided. Anwar and Gani have been at loggerheads for some time and the government knows that the A-G's involvement will taint the prosecution in the court of public opinion.

A government official said: “The scrutiny in this case will be even greater than in 1998. That is why the government had decided in principle to bring in foreign forensic experts. These will be renowned forensic experts and they will examine all the evidence that has been gathered so far.’’

Anwar was arrested by police yesterday afternoon, several weeks after his former aide, Saiful Bukhari Azlan, alleged that he had been sodomised by the Opposition leader in a condominium in Bukit Damansara.

Anwar was questioned for several hours yesterday before being taken to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for a medical examination. It is learnt that he did not allow for any samples to be taken from his body for DNA testing, as is his right under Malaysian law. His lawyers expect him to be released today.

Opposition politicians greeted his arrest with anger and leading the charge was Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Azmin Ali. He warned the government not to provoke the Opposition and took on all comers in Parliament yesterday.

But late last night, the charismatic politician toned down his rhetoric during a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He extracted an assurance from Abdullah that Anwar will be treated well while in detention and that due process be made available to him.

He was upset at the manner the police arrested Anwar but apparently absolved the PM of blame. On his part, Azmin said that he will try and make sure that Pakatan Rakyat supporters do not take to the streets.

kzso - blame everyone ~ police, army, judges, dpm, whole cabinet, tun dr mahathir, ku li, umno, bn etc but not the pm? wonder why..?