The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday that it was up to Anwar Ibrahm to swear on the Quran and clear his name.
Will the criminal charge of Sodomy II against Anwar under Section 377B under the Penal Code for consensual sodomy be withdrawn if Anwar swears on the Quran?
If not, what is the point or purpose of Abdullah making such a statement, except to underline his bias and prejudice against Anwar?
Abdullah reiterated that “Saiful was a victim in the issue”.
In one fell swoop, he Prime Minister has again become judge, prosecutor and accuser all in one. If Abdullah is convinced that Saiful is the “victim” in the sodomy charge against Anwar, even before the date for hearing has been fixed, who can expect a fair trial for Anwar?
It is most improper and completely unthinkable that a Prime Minister can make the type of comments prejudicing a fair trial for Anwar, as reported in the Star today:
Ball in Anwar’s court, says Abdullah
BUTTERWORTH: It is up to PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to swear on the Quran and clear his name, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“It is up to him to decide what he wants to do. He should know what is best for him,” he said after meeting Chinese and Malay community leaders here yesterday.
Commenting on Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan’s declaration at the Federal Territory mosque on Friday that Anwar had sodomised him, he said the manner Saiful took the oath followed Islamic practice and law.
“We must respect a person who seeks justice when he professes that something unlawful was done to him. It is a personal matter and we should not question his sincerity.”
Abdullah reminded the people that Saiful was a victim in the issue.
He said Saiful made a personal decision to swear on the Quran, a move that is not taken lightly by a Muslim.