Anwar dodges poser on aide's 'rioting' charge

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today evaded reporters’ questions on his political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak being implicated in an armed riot.

Anwar was seen leaving the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya after chairing the party’s political bureau meeting, when communications director Fahmi Fadzil was holding a press conference.

When confronted by several reporters who had been waiting for him outside, Anwar told them to direct their questions to Fahmi instead.

"Fahmi, Fahmi. Ask Fahmi," he said as he got in his car and left.

Fahmi, meanwhile, said that PKR would leave the matter to authorities to investigate.

"The authorities can conduct a full investigation and cooperation will be given. The party makes no presumptions regarding the case, and it is up to them to investigate," he said.

Fahmi added that PKR had not discussed any possible action against Farhash.

"It was not discussed. If there is any prosecution in court, we will let it run its course. After that, perhaps the party will take a stand," he said.

Police had named Farhash (photo) as the main suspect in an armed riot outside the Arena All Stars sports complex in Ampang on the night of Aug 31.

In the incident, a man claimed to have been attacked by a group armed with helmets, knives, and chairs, despite his three companions’ attempts to stop the assailants.

He reportedly suffered tears in his waist, injuries throughout his body, and pain in his genital area.

In a statement this morning, Farhash claimed that the complainant was involved in a criminal case involving his family and that he would cooperate in the police investigation.

This evening, however, Selangor CID chief Fadzil Ahmat said police have yet to track down Farhash, and ordered him to come forward immediately.

PKR central committee member Zakaria Abdul Hamid had earlier urged the party to take action against Anwar's aide.

In his statement, Zakaria said Farhash had broken the law “not just once or twice,” and his “arrogance” should be checked to safeguard PKR and Anwar’s reputation.

Fahmi said during the press conference that Zakaria should voice his views during the next central leadership committee meeting.

"Perhaps he can raise this in the next central leadership committee meeting? I think he missed the last meeting," he said. - Mkini