Syed Hamid explains about Anwar probe

PUTRAJAYA: Ninety-six diplomats, including the US and Turkish ambassadors, were briefed by the Home Ministry on the sodomy allegations against PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Syed Albar said the ministry’s briefing was intended to give foreign missions the real story backed by facts and not something peppered with insinuations of conspiracy.

“A lot has been said in the past few weeks and there has been a lot of confusion,” he said.

“The idea is to keep foreign missions informed so that they know what is happening. This would be better than them having their own impressions,” he told reporters after the briefing.

It is believed the meeting was in response to Anwar’s briefing with 30 mostly Western missions on Tuesday night.

Syed Hamid said the briefing centred on how Malaysia’s system of law worked and why certain actions were taken against Anwar.

He said the foreign missions were also keen to know about the arrest of Anwar last week and whether he would be charged.

“To us, there is no need to be afraid of the truth. Let them hear both sides. Whether they believe it or not is another matter but I think they will appreciate our transparency,” he said.

When asked if those who attended sounded pro-Anwar, Syed Hamid replied: “I don’t know whether they are pro-Anwar or not but they gave me a listening ear.

“I appreciate that.”

An Asean diplomat who also attended the briefing said Syed Hamid assured the envoys that the investigations into the allegations against Anwar were done in accordance with the law.

The diplomat said Syed Hamid also told them that they had a video of how Anwar was treated while in police custody but did not show it to them.

By ROYCE CHEAH
www.thestar.com.my