Order to test DNA came from top, says chemist

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 — A government chemist testified today that she received instructions directly from the Director-General of the Malaysian Chemistry Department on July 3, 2008 to conduct DNA analyses on samples pertaining to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial.

Nor Aidora Saedon said then D-G N. Hithiya Jeeva had called her around lunch time on the day and told her to handle a “high profile” case.

She later admitted the D-G’s personal phone call was unusual as she normally received instructions from her section head- Lim Kong Boon.

“I do not know what are the samples but was told to wait for it. He said I was the fittest person to handle the case, since Dr Seah Lay Hong was not available,” Aidora told the court today.

She said that Hithiya has since then retired from government service.

She also said the former D-G had spoken with Lim and the department division chief, Primulapathi Jaya, before assigning her with the task.

“I do not know as the D-G had discussed matters with the head of the forensic division and her section head. They decided to give this ‘high profile’ case to me,” she said.

The chemist told the court today that she had received four samples on July 3 from DSP Jude Pereira for analysis.

DNA samples were found on a toothbrush, plastic mineral bottle and towel.

The analysis report was given to Pereira on July 22.

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