Although lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla (above, left) has dismissed speculation that places him as the link between his client Yusoff Rawther (above, right) and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, criticism against him continue to pour in.
In Bukit Mertajam today, old time (Pro '98) supporters of Anwar Ibrahim questioned Haniff about harbouring “higher ambitions” in appearing as counsel for Muhammed Yusoff Rawther.
Yusoff, 26, created waves when he accused Anwar of sexual misconduct in his statutory declaration, which the PKR president has denied.
Pro ’98 Reformis Malaysia Penang branch secretary Amir Ghazali urged Haniff to quit “gutter politicking” or give up the post of chairperson of the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda).
Amir told Haniff to focus on reforming Perda, instead of playing political games involving Yusof, who is the grandson of the late Consumers Association of Penang president SM Mohamee Idris.
Amir said Haniff had "shamelessly got involved in dirty political ploy" against Anwar by representing Yusof.
"Haniff could have chosen not to do so," Amir said.
In dismissing the link with Mahathir, Haniff said, as a practising lawyer, he could not refuse any client, except in exceptional situations.
Haniff said such situations - a conflict of interest or professional embarrassment - did not arise in Yusoff's case.
Malaysiakini has contacted Haniff over Amir's remarks and is awaiting the former's reply.
Meanwhile, Amir poured cold water on Haniff's denial of having no ulterior motives against Anwar.
"Is he looking for a bigger post?" Amir asked.
Amir also accused Haniff of being a "tool of a certain leader" to destroy Anwar's reputation.
"Who does Haniff represent? He is Perda chairperson, Perda is a federal agency, can he do something like this?” Amir asked. - Mkini
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