| |
KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has taken refuge at the Turkish Embassy.
According to his party, Mr Anwar is there for security reasons, and not seeking political asylum.
The move came as police investigate allegations that Mr Anwar had sodomised his personal aide, 10 years after he was convicted of a similar offence.
23-year-old Mohd Saiful Bukhari claimed he was sodomised by his boss at a condominium located within the upmarket residential enclave of Damansara near the capital.
"We are currently investigating a police report made by a 23-year-old ethnic Malay man who claimed that he was sodomised by his boss," said Mohd Bakri Zinin, Director of Criminal Investigation, Royal Malaysian Police.
Mr Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, said the allegations made by Saiful was politically motivated and a complete lie.
"This was a deliberate attempt to tarnish Anwar's political future, to kill it, to kill the advancement of it... that's why they have to take these desperate measures," said Opposition Parliamentary Leader Wan Azizah.
Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has denied that his government is behind the latest allegations.
"We had no plans to do anything to him just because he said he's made a political comeback," said the Malaysian PM.
Meanwhile, the police have promised a full and fair investigation, free from any political interference.
"Be fair with the police too. You have to give the police a chance to investigate the allegations," said CID chief Mohd Bakri Zinin.
When asked about the time frame as to when the investigations will wrap up, the CID chief said: "I will not give any time frame, but we want to finish the investigation as soon as possible to ensure fairness to both sides."
The opposition People's Alliance, which was essentially held together by Anwar, is preparing for the worst if their de facto leader were to be arrested.
The police have also issued a stern warning against anyone, especially Anwar supporters, who try to stir trouble to ward off a potential political upheaval.
Mr Anwar had gone to the Turkish Embassy after receiving death threats, his wife said. - CNA /ls
|
