A supporter of Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim holds a placard outside the police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has been arrested over allegations that he sodomised a male aide. His arrest came an hour ahead of a deadline for him to appear for questioning.
According to his driver Abdullah Sani, Anwar – who had earlier given his statement at the anti-corruption agency – wanted to drop by his home before going to the police headquarters for his scheduled appointment at 2pm.
But when they were less than 50 metres from Anwar's house, ten police officers – some with face masks – stopped the car and arrested him.
According to his lawyer, Anwar was arrested under section 377 of the Penal Code. Sodomy carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.
Anwar was reportedly incensed by the police who reneged on their words.
Sankaran Nair, Anwar's lawyer, said: "Two minutes before the arrest, I received a call from the police. We said we would be there by 2pm. We had one more hour – this is totally uncalled for! It is a form of intimidation, totally unnecessary."
The opposition leader's wife, Wan Azizah, and his daughter, Nurul Izzah, expressed shock and outrage at the arrest.
Nurul said: "This is despite public assurance given by our PM (Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi) and DPM (Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak)... still, they take action in this manner.
"My sis and I were supposed to accompany my father to the police station to record the statement before 2pm. At 12.55pm, they arrested him in front our house. Are we supposed to feel safe? We are concerned."
Her mother added: "It gives us suspicion that it's political. His message was for me to stay calm and for everyone to stay calm. He will give his utmost cooperation."
Meanwhile, outside the police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, hundreds of Anwar supporters have gathered, demanding for his immediate release.
- CNA/so
Channel NewsAsia
17/07/08
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