|
KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has left the Turkish embassy in Kuala Lumpur, a day after seeking refuge there.
The development comes after a weekend of twists and turns.
It began when a male aide Saiful Bukhari lodged a police report on Saturday, alleging he had been sodomised by Mr Anwar.
On Monday, Mr Anwar filed a civil suit against his accuser, saying the complaint was malicious and designed to destroy his political career.
Malaysia is buzzing with the latest sodomy allegations against Mr Anwar, nearly 10 years after those same charges were levelled against him while he was deputy premier.
In parliament, ministers criticised Mr Anwar for dramatising the situation by seeking shelter at the Turkish embassy after claiming that he had received death threats.
Syed Hamid Albar, Home Minister, said: "He, on his own accord, asked for an appointment, went to see the Turkish Ambassador to discuss something, (and) subsequently he didn't want to get out"
Both Mr Syed Hamid and Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak gave the assurance that no attempt was ever made on Mr Anwar's life as claimed by the latter.
Mr Najib said: "After (Anwar) got out of jail, he was free, he went overseas; he is a political activist, going around the country freely, making all kinds of statements, all kinds of allegations. We have not taken any action that endangers his life."
He added: "We can assure him that his personal safety has never been harassed when he campaigned as opposition leader. This is not a question of political persecution, it's a question of law, let the law take its course."
Mr Najib also denied having any link with the victim after the opposition released a photo of Mr Saiful taken at the deputy prime minister's office.
Mr Najib said: "I am not involved in the case at all. Three months ago, he came to see my officer about a scholarship."
Meanwhile, Mr Anwar was swamped by the media on his way out of the Turkish envoy's residence on Monday evening.
He claimed that his plan to contest in a by-election was derailed.
He said: "This week, four members of parliament from Barisan Nasional were due to join me on stage when I make my announcement, including two from UMNO. It's for this reason that they have created the mess."
Meanwhile, the police, who have launched an immediate probe into this latest sodomy allegation against Mr Anwar, are expected to bring him in for questioning.
Mr Anwar has promised that he will give his utmost cooperation to assist police investigations. - CNA/ms
|
|
|
