Malaysia - RFI interview

Anwar denies new sex charges

Article published on the 2008-06-29 Latest update 2008-06-29 15:35 TU

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
(Photo: Reuters)

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says new allegations that he sodomised a male aide are fabricated. Anwar is taking refuge in the Turkish embassy. He says the National Front government is trying to discredit him after his party made gains in last March's general election.

“This is a fabrication, a malicious attack against my character,” Anwar told RFI in a telephone interview from the Turkish embassy. “One young man suddenly comes out and happily and readily smears [me] with the full backing of the police and the media. There are a lot of questions left unanswered. I think we will effectively debunk the [allegations].”

The new charges were made by Saiful Bukhari Azlan, a part-time staffer turned chief-of-staff who lodged a complaint with Malaysian police, claiming that the former deputy prime minister sodomised him. Ten years ago Anwar was sacked and jailed for sodomy and corruption.

“[It’s] a repeat of the 1998 experiment they had, where the judiciary, the attorney general and the police chief were involved,” he said

The wife of Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, holds up a mobile phone showing a photograph of Anwar's aide Saiful Bukhari Azlani (L) and a member of the government.
(Photo: Reuters)

Police say they will carry out an investigation before arresting Anwar, but he is refusing to leave the embassy unless he receives assurances that he will be safe. When he was arrested in 1998, he was beaten in custody and made a famous black-eyed appearance in court.

“How many fabricated charges can one be expected to tolerate? The fact that I’m here at the Turkish embassy is because I cannot vouch for my personal safety,” Anwar said. “I want an assurance: a guarantee from the Prime Minister and the government that they will protect my safety,” he added.

 

Anwar was sentenced to nine years in jail in 2000, but was released in 2004 after the conviction was overturned by Malaysia’s highest court.

“What credibility do these people have when they were involved right from the word go: intimidating, harassing and fabricating evidence?” he asked.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has denied that the government is behind the accusations.