Anwar ‘uneasy’ as PM breaks vow to testify in Sodomy II trial

By Debra Chong
September 21, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today he feels “kurang senang” (uneasy) that the prime minister is reneging on his promise to testify in the opposition leader’s ongoing sodomy trial.

“Not cool, not cool,” Anwar’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail quipped to reporters, mocking Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s latest bid to bolster his public image.

Both the PKR leaders were responding immediately to news that Najib and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, had filed to strike out a court order compelling them to testify for the defence over an alleged meeting with sodomy complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in 2008.

Anwar, a former deputy prime minister, is accused of sodomy for the second time in his political career.

He told reporters after today’s trial it was public knowledge Najib had met with Mohd Saiful previously.

The 64-year-old added that Najib had also declared openly recently he was not afraid of Anwar.

“For us, this is important,” Anwar said, referring to Najib’s testimony.

Anwar faces up to 20 years in jail if convicted under section 377B of the Penal Code for sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in 2008.

“Dia pilih untuk berundur sebelum bertempur (He has chosen to retreat before the battle has commenced),” the Permatang Pauh MP said of Najib.

The PKR advisor has dismissed the Sodomy II trial as a conspiracy by the ruling Barisan Nasional government — led by Najib — to end his political career.

The trial is adjourned until tomorrow morning.

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