Syed Hamid: I never said Anwar was a spy

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar today denied calling PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim a spy for the United States.

"I never said he was a spy," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

He said Anwar's inclination to seek help from US and foreign countries was the reason they were willing to interfere in Malaysia's domestic affairs.

It proved that Anwar was like a "reporter" for US, he said.

"He made the report and true enough America tells us to stop the probe. This is the evidence and if he thinks he is right it is up to him.

"It is my right to voice my opinion and we should not take all the views given by Anwar must be right," he said.

"We have no proof yet that Anwar is guilty, why should he make noise and become nervous as though there is evidence he is guilty.

"We did not do anything. I say let the police investigate. When the police have done their job, we will know the truth," he added.

The minister was referring to the caution by the US State Department regarding the fresh sodmy allegations against Anwar.

The Department’s spokesman Tom Casey said that his country would oppose any politically motivated investigation or prosecution of Anwar.

Syed Hamid said Malaysia was not a country under colonisation and "we will do what we think is right according to the laws of our country".

Anwar has denied he is a "reporter" for the US and challenged the government to prove its allegation.

Demonstrations not the answer

On another matter, Syed Hamid said demonstrations are not a good way to state a stand on an issue and is contrary to the democratic principles practised in Malaysia.

"The election is over. Now we must carry out the mandate given by the people," he told reporters at Parliament's lobby.

He was asked to comment on the rally organised by non-governmental group Protes at the Kelana Jaya Stadium in Petaling Jaya on Sunday.

The group held the rally to protest the recent hikes in the prices of petrol and diesel.

"If they (opposition) do something against the law and the police take action, please don't complain," he said referring to the rally which was carried out without a police permit.

Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, when approached by reporters at the Parliament's lobby, admitted that a member of the rock group Carburetor Dung revealing his backside during a performance at the rally was in bad taste.

Khalid (PKR-Bandar Tun Razak), however, said the group would not be barred at PKR organised performances but would be told to tone down their acts.

Dr Hatta Ramli (Pas-Kuala Krai), who was the coordinator of Sunday's rally, said more such protest rallies would be held in future so that the people could voice out their grievances regarding government policies.

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