Sodomy II: Disputed, Malaysia’s top DNA lab

By Debra Chong

September 21, 2011

Dr Brian McDonald (L) said today that the national chemistry department’s laboratory in Petaling Jaya did not have ISO 17025 certification. — file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — Malaysia’s foremost DNA testing facility was dragged into the spotlight today, after an Australian scientist disputed its international accreditation at the Sodomy II trial today.

Dr Brian McDonald, a key witness in Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s defence, insisted that the national chemistry department’s laboratory in Petaling Jaya did not have ISO 17025 certification, which he said its head of forensics, Dr Seah Lay Hoong, had previously claimed.

The Australian DNA consultant told the court this could cause the lab to be seen as “incompetent” in carrying out DNA analyses and other tests crucial to so many cases, including criminal cases.