Barisan Nasional MPs Khairy Jamaluddin and Mukhriz Mahathir caused pandemonium in Parliament today when both went on the offensive to attack opposition Pakatan Rakyat over the sodomy allegations besetting PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

While Khairy (Umno-Rembau) raised the ire of Pakatan MPs by calling for Anwar to voluntarily submit a DNA sample to prove his innocence, Mukhriz (BN-Jerlun) rubbed insult to injury when he said he believed the truth in the “despicable” crime allegedly committed by Anwar.

The war of words that erupted even saw instances of chest-thumping and table-pounding as both sides leveled challenges that suggested the issue be taken outside of Parliament and into the streets for “the people” to decide.

Starting it off in the morning during the debates on the Supplementary Supply Bill 2008, Khairy said there could be no end to the allegations against Anwar - and claims that these were politically motivated - until the embattled opposition leader voluntarily gives his DNA sample.

“Enough is enough. Let's put an end to it - that all these are fabricated. I suggest that we should have an international independent forensics team to assist (in the investigations),” said Khairy.

As outraged Pakatan MPs stood up in protest, Opposition Leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh) asked Khairy how he had come to know the police was in need of her husband's DNA sample.

“How does Rembau know the content of the police report when we, the affected party, have not gotten hold of the police report?” she asked.

Khairy shot back by pointing out that the police investigation against Anwar was related to a sodomy charge, and thus DNA would be required as part of the probe.

“Sodomy allegations indicate that there is anal intercourse, that there was penetration. So you need DNA to prove (that the act took place),” he said.

Two weeks, still no police report

Addressing this in his debate speech later, Mohd Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) noted that the burden was not on Anwar to prove his innocence but on the police to be forthcoming on the details of the police report that serves as the basis for their investigations.

“Today we heard Rembau challenging (Anwar) to submit to a DNA test. It is not that we do not want to give (a sample) - but we have not received the police report. It has been two weeks!” he thundered.

Azmin also lay scorn on the government for their “desperate” and “irresponsible” use of the police to persecute opposition parties.

He also recounted inspector-general of police Musa Hassan and attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail’s role in the investigations against Anwar 10 years ago when they were then investigating officer and prosecuting officer respectively under the Dr Mahathir Mohamad government.

“The same players, the same slander!” shouted Azmin.

“The people want to know who gave the bestial order for the police to act as they did at 12:30 today? If you want to show off the powers you have, I want to inform you that the people will rise up to show their powers. Do not test the patience of the people!

“I challenge Umno to go face to face with the people if (Umno) dares!” he said.

Attacking Azmin’s attempt to drag his father, Mahathir, into the current imbroglio, Mukhriz said past government figures have nothing to do with the investigations against Anwar today.

“Who else does he want to accuse now? Persons who have nothing to do with the (present) issue are being invoked today!” said Mukhriz.

Mukhriz: Anwar did it!

He also slammed Pakatan Rakyat MPs for insisting on more stringent standards of evidence as contained in Islamic laws for accusations of sexual violations.

“There are leaders over there who are demanding for four witnesses (to the alleged act of sodomy). How can there be four witnesses? They would have sinned if they saw the commission of the act but did not do anything to stop it!”

It led many MPs, both Muslim and non-Muslims, to stand up in protest at his 'disparaging' of Islam.

Zulkifli Nordin (PKR-Kulim Bandar Baharu) demanded to know whether Mukhriz was still Muslim as to warrant his questioning of Islamic laws.

Charles Santiago (DAP-Klang) also jumped up to ask: “Are you challenging Islam?”

Not letting up with his attacks, however, Mukhriz lent support to Khairy - who is his rival in Umno Youth - and insisted that Anwar submit a DNA sample as a “modern method” of evidence.

“I believe that Anwar did it! He did that despicable thing! That’s why I challenge, as Rembau did just now - give the DNA!”

Turning to Azmin, Mukriz said: “Gombak challenged Umno. Umno will take up that challenge!”

Beating his chest, he added: “You want to know which anak jati (real son) is brave to take on a challenge? Here is that son!” he thundered to hoots and thumps on the table of approval from fellow BN MPs.