PETALING JAYA: The man at the centre of sexual misconduct allegations against Anwar Ibrahim says he does not fear a suit against him by the PKR leader, as his lawyer questions the reasons given by the Attorney-General’s Chambers in refusing to bring criminal charges.
“Anwar wants to sue me? Bring it on,” Muhammed Yusoff Rawther told reporters in a press conference accompanied by his lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla, his first public appearance since the AGC announced its decision not to pursue the case.
Yusoff said he was ready for a long battle.
“Regardless what happens, I intend to see this through. I think there should be no cost for justice. It should be sought out at all cost. I’m going to go the distance,” he added.
Haniff said there are several questions raised from the AGC’s statement issued on Jan 14 by Solicitor-General Engku Nor Faizah Engku Atek, adding that he has requested a meeting with her to seek clarifications.
“We requested for a favourable and positive reply within seven days (from today). We hope we can get a reply by Jan 24,” Haniff said.
He said the explanation from Engku Nor Faizah would be crucial for Yusoff to decide on the next course of action.
Among others, Haniff questioned the AGC’s statement that the police had recommended the case be closed, when it was them who submitted the investigation papers.
“If the police bring the investigation papers, it means they believe there could be further action. So this needs another clarification.
“We hope the solicitor-general can clarify this,” he added.
Yusoff’s police report against Anwar in early December resulted in a probe by the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (D5) under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which deals with using criminal force to outrage a person’s modesty.
Police had recorded statements from Yusoff, as well as carried out a polygraph test. Police have also questioned Anwar before accompanying him to his Bukit Segambut residence. The PKR president has rejected the allegations.
‘Terribly disappointed’
Yusoff today said he was satisfied with the police investigation, adding that he agreed to take the polygraph test knowing the risk that the alleged incident took place long ago.
“I decided to do the polygraph test to strengthen my case against Anwar. I did this to obtain justice for the criminal act committed against me by Anwar.
“I must state, it is not easy to get to the root of the issue, as it happened close to a year ago,” he said.
Yusoff said he was “terribly disappointed” with the reasons given by the AGC.
“I am angry that this is the decision that they have come to.”
Yusoff said he had problems finding a lawyer to take up his case.
“I went to several lawyers before Haniff. They were either afraid to take this matter on, or some wanted to use this for their own advantage, and I wasn’t comfortable with that.
“Haniff came across as an honest person and I’m comfortable with him,” said Yusoff.
“Haniff came across as an honest person and I’m comfortable with him,” said Yusoff.
Haniff meanwhile agreed that any civil action from either side could affect Anwar’s prospects of becoming the next prime minister.
But he said the case involving Yusoff has nothing to do with politics.
“As a lawyer, the issue of the transition of power is a Pakatan Harapan issue. If they want to take into account these factors, that’s for them to decide.
“The transition of power is based on an agreement. It is not governed by the constitution,” he added.
Haniff however said any transition of power could be problematic if it faces opposition by the people. - FMT
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