[ Laman Ehwal Semasa ReformIS ]
Date: 10 Sep 1999
Time: 18:35:06
Remote User: -
Prosecutor implies family could be posioning Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (AFP) - The family of former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim could be poisoning him with arsenic, Malaysia's attorney general implied Friday, prompting an angry outburst from the jailed politician. Mohtar Abdullah, who is the chief prosecutor in Anwar's sodomy trial, made the suggestion after the judge ruled Anwar should be sent to hospital following defence allegations he was suffering from arsenic poisoning.
Judge Arifin Jaka ordered the trial "postponed until such time doctors certify that Anwar is fit."
Defence counsel Karpal Singh indicated earlier that Anwar was being deliberately poisoned by authorities.
"I suspect some people in high places are in all likelihood responsible for the situation," he told the court.
But Mohtar said such allegations were premature. "I caution my learned friend not to jump the gun and accuse some people to conspire to kill or injure Anwar. It is premature at this stage," he said.
"It could be a case of deliberate poisoning by someone or some persons unknown -- whether in prison or on the court premises -- or it could be accidental poisoning through food and drinks consumed by the accused in prison and court precints," the attorney general said.
"I have personally seen the accused during court recess consume drinks and food in this very court room," he added.
Anwar interrupted: "It is brought by my wife."
But Mohtar said police should investigate Anwar's movements in prison and the courtroom in addition to "contact with persons contrary to prison rules.
"Anwar has been allowed by prison authorities to move around and mingle with his family and freinds," he said.
"If evidence shows that there is deliberate poisoning, as public prosecutor I will leave no stone unturned."
In an angry outburst, Anwar banged his fist on the dock and shouted: "I'm talking about poison and he's talking about prison regulations!"
"Please cool down," Judge Arifin said, adding Mohtar was just explaining that he should not accuse anybody.
But Karpal intervened, saying Mohtar had accused the family. "An insinuation has been made. It is ridiculous," he said.