In plea for sodomy truth, Saiful says future and dignity depends on it

(Malay Mail Online) – Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, the former political aide who Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was accused of sodomising six years ago, said today he hopes the truth about the 2008 incident will finally be revealed when his ex-boss’ case is called up at the Federal Court tomorrow.

The 26-year-old said in a blog post that he prays no outside influences will interfere with the court’s decision on the matter, which he pointed out has been dragged on for six years and two months as a result of over 100 postponements.

“The truth is important and extremely meaningful to my entire family and I as it involves my dignity and my future,” he wrote.

“As the complainant in the case and a Malaysian citizen, I have full confidence that the Federal court will hear and make a fair decision on the case in accordance with the law, the evidence provided and all the testimonies given throughout the trial.

“I pray that any outside influences, whether pressures from the accused, outsiders or even political elements (there are rumours of a ‘deal’, I hope it isn’t true) to get him freed, would not be made possible,” he said.

Saiful added, however, that he is prepared for a “worst case scenario”.

If the court decides to free Anwar of the charge, the youth said he will continue to stand by his convictions as he believes that God would not neglect those who hold on to the truth.

The Federal Court is set to hear tomorrow Anwar’s appeal of the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn a lower court’s decision to acquit him of sodomy.

The High Court had in 2012 acquitted Anwar of a 2008 sodomy charge – his second since 1998 – but the appellate court ruled on March 7 this year that the lower court’s trial judge had erred when rejecting the DNA evidence produced in the case.

If Anwar fails to reverse his five-year imprisonment sentence and conviction in the Federal Courttomorrow, the Permatang Pauh MP would lose his seat as the law bars anyone fined RM2,000 or imprisoned for one year to be a lawmaker.

The former deputy prime minister has been going on his own campaign since last Tuesday to drum up support and is expected to cap it off with a solidarity gathering tonight.