Former Umno Batu Kawan vice-chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan has denied being involved in the publication of the controversial book on jailed former Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking at a forum last night, Khairuddin insisted that this was the reason why no action has been taken against him for the book, '50 Dalil Mengapa Anwar Tidak Boleh Jadi Perdana Menteri' (50 Reasons Why Anwar Cannot Be PM).

"I am not the writer or publisher of the book.

"See who is the writer and publisher. Until today Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has never taken any action against me," Khairuddin told the forum on Citizens' Declaration at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia chairperson Badrul Hisham Shaharin, who was also a panellist at the forum, had earlier accused Khairuddin of being the book's writer.

Badrul Hisham, who is better known as Chegubard, later apologised, after listening to Khairuddin's explanation.

"You are involved (with the book). I apologise if I have said you wrote the book, but you are still involved," Badrul Hisham said.

Khairuddin was previously credited as publisher of the controversial book that was released in 1998, shortly before Anwar was removed as deputy prime minister by the then prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Khairuddin reiterated that he would now be the 'first person' to support any attempts to get Anwar released from the Sungai Buloh Prison.

"Now, I admit that if there is any struggle to release Anwar, I will be the first person to support it," said Khairuddin, a loyal ally of Mahathir and Anwar's cousin.

Anwar was jailed in February last year, after the Federal Court upheld a Court of Appeal ruling that the former opposition leader was guilty of sodomy.

He was sentenced to five years in jail.