Friday August 8, 2008
Syed Hamid: Saiful not charged because he is key witness
KUALA LUMPUR: Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan is not being charged because he is the key witness in the sodomy case against PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.
He said that in a criminal justice system, when a person comes forward to report on a matter, the person would be protected.
“Usually, the victim is given protection,” Syed Hamid said after the MoU signing ceremony between Malaysian and Australian Governments on immigration cooperation here yesterday.
He also said that Anwar was innocent until proven guilty by the court.
“However, it doesn't mean that we can't take action against him just because he is a VIP.” He also advised the public not to jump to conclusions before the case is decided by the court.
Asked on former US vice-president Al Gore's statement issued in Nashville, Tennessee, Syed Hamid said the was not surprised.
“He has been criticising us all this while. He should be happy that the case is now going to court. Even so, Anwar has been granted bail and he can stand in the Permatang Pauh by-election.
“Let the court decide. The bottom line is, justice will be served,” he said.
Earlier, Syed Hamid had briefed the Australian delegation on the case.
According to Australian Immigration and Citizenship Minister Senator Chris Evans, the Australian Government had been assured that proper judicial process would be followed.
At the Jalan Duta courts, immediately after he was released on bail, Anwar had asked why Saiful had not been charged as well since the alleged sodomy act was said to be consensual.
“If it is “suka sama suka” (consensual), why was I the only one being charged? If it is consensual, both should be charged,” he added.
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