Malaysia Notes

KUALA LUMPUR: Police revealed yesterday that Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan had sought protection after his explosive sodomy report against Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

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

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

Bakri denied that Mohd Saiful was given protection because he faced threats from certain parties.

Since the report on Saturday, Mohd Saiful has been seen only once in public when he was taken to the Brickfields police station on 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, yesterday said they had recorded statements from 18 witnesses, including doctors who had examined Mohd Saiful.

"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 Anwar. "We will definitely talk to him but we cannot give a specific time-frame for it," said 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 Mohd Saiful, 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 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.

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