Anwar fails in bid for statements

PUTRAJAYA, June 25 (Bernama) -- Once again, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim failed to get access to all statements, including the witness statement of his accuser, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, in his sodomy trial when the Court Of Appeal upheld the High Court's decision today.

Justices Datuk Sulong Matjeraie, Datuk Ramly Ali and Datuk Zaharah Ibrahim held that they did not have the jurisdiction to hear and entertain the appeal because the High Court's ruling on that matter was not a final order which had
the effect of finally determining the rights of the party.

The three-man bench dismissed the Opposition leader's appeal and upheld the High Court's decision delivered on May 12, this year, in denying him access to Mohd Saiful statements which were recorded by the police.

Anwar wanted all statements, including Mohd Saiful's witness statement, because he claimed that there were contradictions in Mohd Saiful's testimony adduced in the trial, and the sodomy charge framed against him (Anwar), which could lead to a possible impeachment of Mohd Saiful's credibility.

The 63-year-old Permatang Pauh member of parliament claimed that the starwitness (Mohd Saiful) had testified that the alleged sodomy took place without his consent, but Anwar was charged under Section 377B of the Penal Code, with consensual sexual intercourse.