Most Read
Most Commented
Read more like this

Jailed former deputy premier, in an affidavit filed last week, said Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's evidence at the sodomy trial will prove without doubt that he is "a victim of political conspiracy" that was aimed at shaming and tarnishing his reputation and toppling him from power.

In the 10-page affidavit, Anwar said the defence would be able to adduce evidence from the premier, as well as detailed facts to shed light on issues crucial to the defence case.

"I am confident and believe Dr Mahathir has enough information and proof to show I am innocent of the charges framed against me," Anwar said.

Anwar stands trial for sodomy and sexual misconduct together with adopted brother Sukma Dermawan Sasmitaat Madja. He is charged with sodomising ex-driver Azizan Abu Bakar "on one night between January and March 1993 at 7.45pm". Sukma is also charged with abetting and aiding Anwar to force sex on Azizan.

Mahathir, who was served with a subpoena last November, repeatedly told reporters he is willing to testify at his former deputy's sex trial. He, however, also said he would only answer questions relevant to the sodomy charges and not political conspiracy.

Anwar, forced into political limbo after his shock dismissal from power, says charges preferred on him are part of a political conspiracy fabricated by Mahathir's aides and ruling politicians to topple him from power.

High Court judge Arifin Jaka ordered Anwar to file an affidavit detailing the relevance of Mahathir's evidence to the defence case. Anwar filed the affidavit last Thursday and his lawyers said they would serve it on Mahathir tomorrow.

Anwar said Mahathir's evidence would show the chain of events that led Mahathir to change his mind about his deputy. In 1997, Mahathir told reporters that his deputy was innocent of sexual allegations.

He later changed his stance and said Anwar's immoral conduct makes him unsuitable to take over the leadership. Mahathir repeatedly made statements, both locally and overseas, alleging that his deputy is guilty of sexual misconduct in Malaysia.

Anwar's affidavit details the many confrontations he had with Mahathir on various issues ranging from a power struggle within the ruling party Umno to the alleged corrupt practices of Mahathir's close allies in politics.

"Dr Mahathir suspected me of mounting a challenge against him at the Umno General Assembly in September 1998 despite me assuring him otherwise," Anwar said.

The party polls are crucial in Malaysia as Umno president and deputy president traditionally hold the posts of prime minister and deputy respectively.

Anwar also said he had differences of opinion with his former boss as he was not in favour of the Petronas bailout of Konsortium Perkapalan Bhd which belongs to Mahathir's eldest son, Mirzan Mahathir.

The former finance minister's affidavit also traces the heated argument with Mahathir on the day he was sacked from office.

"Dr Mahathir threatened me to resign or face prosecution despite me telling him I am innocent. I told him I will not resign but fight for my rights although it is going to be messy."

Anwar's sex trial has been postponed to Wednesday next week to enable Mahathir to reply to the affidavit or raise objections if he has any.

The one-time heir apparent to the prime minister's post currently is serving a six-year jail term for corruption relating to abusing his power while in office.

ADS