Protection for Anwar's accuser until probe ends

Protection for Anwar's accuser until probe ends

Mon, Jul 07, 2008 The Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - THE former aide to Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim who claimed he was sodomised by the ex-deputy prime minister will get protection until the probe into his allegations has ended, said police here.

'He asked for protection. He has the right to do so as a citizen," said federal Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Bakri Zinin on Sunday, adding that Mr Mohd Saiful feared for his safety following the report which has rocked the country's political scene.

"He will remain under police protection until the investigations are completed."

Mr Bakri denied that Mr Saiful was given protection because he faced threats from certain parties, The New Straits Times reported on Monday.

Since he made his sodomy allegations, Mr Saiful has been seen only once in public when he was taken to the Brickfields police station last Wednesday.

Looking calm and composed, the 23-year-old former aide even waved to reporters and cameramen when he was taken to one of the offices at the police station.

Police, who have been tight-lipped about the investigations, said they had recorded statements from 18 witnesses, including doctors who had examined Mr Saiful, according to the NST report.

"We expect to call more witnesses soon and we urge those who are called to cooperate," he said, warning that court orders would be obtained to compel witnesses to come forward to assist in the investigations.

Police, however, have yet to record a statement from Datuk Seri Anwar. "We will definitely talk to him but we cannot give a specific time-frame for it," said Mr Bakri.

The case has been classified as carnal intercourse against the order of nature without consent, a charge which carries a jail sentence of between five and 20 years, with whipping.

The alleged offences took place at the Desa Damansara condominiums in Damansara Heights. At the time the report was lodged by Mr Saiful, Mr Anwar and top officials from Parti Keadilan Rakyat were at the Quality Hotel in Shah Alam for a two-day meeting.

After news of the report reached Mr Anwar, he sought refuge at the Turkish Embassy early the following day, claiming his life was in danger.

He left the embassy about 36 hours later after being assured by the government of his safety.

He then embarked on a nationwide offensive to discredit the allegations, alleging they were a plot to kill his political career.