Chemist: ‘Male Y’ matches DNA found on toothbrush, towel, bottle

The DNA profile was based on samples extracted from Saiful’s (centre) anal region. — file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23— The DNA profiles found on a toothbrush, towel and bottle matched that of an unknown “Male Y”, whose sperm extracts had been found earlier in Mohd Saiful Bukhari’s anus, a chemist testified today.

Nor Aidora Saedon, a chemist attached with the forensic DNA section with the department of chemistry in Petaling Jaya, confirmed today that DNA samples from swabs taken from the three objects matched the DNA profile of the “Male Y.”

She told the ongoing sodomy trial of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that her results were based on a probability match done between Dr Seah Lay Hong’s report and her own. Dr Seah, a forensic scientist, had testified earlier that the sperm extracts belonged to “Male Y” who has yet to be identified.

“Match was with source marked ‘Male Y’ in Dr Seah’s report,” said Aidora.

It is understood that the three objects — a white toothbrush, a “Good Morning”-brand towel, and a Cactus-brand mineral water bottle — were supplied to Aidora by DSP Judy Pereira for DNA analysis on July 17, 2008.

“DNA profiles of towel, bottle and toothbrush matched each other, indicating same source,” said Aidora.

Two strands of hair — one of which came from the — towel were also tested for DNA but attempts at producing a DNA profile proved unsuccessful.

Aidora said that she began running tests on July 18, and had given the report and samples to Pereira on July 22.

Anwar’s lawyers had objected during Aidora’s cross-examination by deputy public prosecutor Noorin Badaruddin, demanding that the defence be supplied with the chemist’s documents on the said probability match.

Defence counsel Sankara Nair told reporters later that the documents contained a “statistical population database” which could narrow down the race and possible identity of a person, based on the DNA profile obtained.

Judge Datuk Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah will decide at 2.30pm on whether to allow defence access to the documents.

Saiful had complained that Anwar, his ex-employer, had sodomised him at a luxury condominium in upper-class Bukit Damansara here on June 26, 2008.

Saiful, now aged 25, has never named anyone else.

Anwar, the 63-year-old PKR de facto leader, is currently facing sodomy charges for the second time in his life.

He has denied the charge, describing it as “evil, frivolous lies by those in power” when the charge was read out to him.

He is charged under section 377B of the Penal Code and can be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years’ jail and whipping upon conviction. The trial is taking place 18 months after Anwar was charged in court in August 2008.

He was charged with sodomy and corruption in 1998 after he was sacked from the Cabinet and was later convicted and jailed for both offences.

He was freed in September 2004 and later resurrected his political career by winning back his Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat in a by-election in 2008, which had been held in the interim by his wife.

He led the opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat, to a historic sweep of five states and 82 parliamentary seats in Election 2008. - Malaysian Insider