International

Anwar on offensive after being set free

SINGAPORE: Malaysia’s opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was released on bail on Thursday, after being held overnight for questioning and medical examination following a complaint that he sexually assaulted a male aide. No charges were filed.

Mr. Anwar — formerly Deputy Prime Minister — was arrested near his home in Kuala Lumpur an hour before the deadline set for his testimony before the police. The circumstances of his arrest were described by his lawyers as an act of “intimidation.”

Addressing the media after his release, he said the police acted with “a clear malicious intent” and with utter “lack of professionalism.” Asserting that “no Malaysian deserves this [treatment],” Mr. Anwar said: “Why treat me like a major criminal?”

On the controversial issue of the police demand for a DNA sample, he said: “Why should I give blood? My blood is already in their possession. What else do they want? ... Of course, I refused to be photographed.” He was referring to the medical tests he had undergone when he was arrested and imprisoned on a similar charge in 1998. His conviction on that occasion was later set aside in a landmark court order.

Reacting to his stand on the DNA test, which could not be forced under existing laws, Home Minister Hamid Albar said “the best thing” would be to get a new blood sample to avoid accusations of a “manipulation” of the old one.

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