Anwar denies sexual assault claims by former researcher
Published on: Friday, December 06, 2019
By: NST
File photo from Bernama.
Kuala Lumpur: PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) has denied that he had sexually assaulted a 26-year-old former researcher.The Port Dickson Member of Parliament said he had received reports made by one Muhammed Yusoff Rawther through the media as well as social media platforms.ADVERTISEMENT
“I strongly denounce the slander which was made without any basis,” he said.
Anwar said on the date of the said alleged sexual assault, he was campaigning in the Port Dickson by-election.
On the same day, Anwar said he had also attended Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birthday Celebration in Kuala Lumpur and then returned to Port Dickson to fulfil his campaign schedule for the day.
He added that his confidential secretary Shukri Saad had also lodged a police report on the matter.ADVERTISEMENT
Anwar said his lawyer Ramkarpal Singh had forwarded a letter of demand from Yusoff.
He added that Yusoff’s family, through his uncle Mohideen Abdul Kader, had also released a statement condemning his actions after more than a year of the alleged incident.
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“This action was aimed at bringing down my image ahead of PKR’s 14th National Congress and the transitioning process of the nation’s leadership,” Anwar said.
Yusoff, 26, via a sworn declaration claimed that he had been sexually assaulted by Anwar while working as his researcher. The assault allegedly took place at Anwar’s house.
In a press conference, Yusoff alleged that there had been no action by the authorities despite furnishing a medical report confirming injuries he allegedly sustained.
Anwar’s political secretary, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, meanwhile claimed that the press conference was masterminded by former PKR member Badrul Saharin @ Chegubard, who was disgruntled over his sacking as a lifetime member three years ago.
Farhash claimed that Badrul was working with a former staff to undermine Anwar. He also claimed that Yusoff was earlier sacked from Anwar’s office for indiscipline.
It is understood that Yusoff had in September this year filed an action at the Shah Alam Sessions Court, claiming Farhash had inflicted injuries after allegedly punching him without provocation.
He is also suing Anwar’s press secretary Tunku Nashrul Tunku Abaidah over several media statements he made on the incident.
Meanwhile, PKR members who attend the "parallel" congress in Kuala Lumpur will be sacked, said Anwar.
He warned that action would be taken against anyone who attempts to sabotage the national congress as it was a serious offence.
"I would like to remind members if there are attempts to ruin the spirit of party unity, action will also be taken, including sacking them," he said when asked to comment on the parallel congress, said to be led by leaders aligned to Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Anwar said that thus far, some 83pc of delegates had registered for the party's congress that will be held in Melaka this weekend.
Anwar also said that the meeting with Azmin and other leaders on Wednesday (Dec 4) during the party's special bureau political meeting focused on preparations for the congress.
He said that Azmin, as the deputy president, would officiate the Women and Youth wings while Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail would close the congress.
PKR communications director Fahmi dismissed claims that there are different factions within the party.
Previously, Azmin was dropped from opening the PKR Youth congress on Dec 6, and Dr Wan Azizah, who is the PKR advisory council chief, said to launch it instead.
That triggered outcry from leaders allegedly aligned with Azmin, and several PKR Youth leaders also signed a joint statement condemning party secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution for triggering a "leadership crisis".Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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This was in response to a statement by Saifuddin on Nov 12, who rescinded the invitation to Azmin for officiating the PKR youth national congress.