Former Federal Territory imam Ramlang Porigi claims that he was made a scapegoat by certain people who had asked him to witness the 'swearing' of Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan that he had been (allegedly) sodomised by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.

The swearing ceremony had taken place at the Jalan Duta mosque last August.

ramlang porigi Ramlang, who was sacked from the Islamic Affairs Department (Jakim) last month, said there were several questions concerning this ceremony such as who approved it to be held at the prayer hall and who alerted the media?

He also questioned the presence of Federal Territory Religious Department (Jawi) director Che Mat Che Ali at the ceremony, who had earlier instructed him to be a witness.

Ramlang aslo questioned Jakim director-general Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz's continued silence over the whole affair.

ramlang porigi imam witness in saiful bukhari azlan anwar ibrahim sodomy 2 210808 01 "I feel the ceremony was politicised by certain people and Che Mat to serve their own agenda,” he said in an email to Malaysiakini yesterday.

Last September, Ramlang was transferred to Jakim from his previous position as imam in the Federal Territory Mosque after he spoke at several ceramah held by PKR during the Permatang Pauh by-election.

He was sacked last month but had filed an appeal over his expulsion on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Che Mat denied he had a role to play in the ceremony last August.

“I went there as I got to know of the ceremony and the mosque is under my jurisdiction. I know the event was about to take place but I did not instruct anyone to be a witness,” he said.

“Ramlang is making a 'false allegation'. I did not instruct anyone to witness Saiful's swearing ceremony and the presence of the three other imams were just a coincidence,” said the Jawi director.

Che Mat explained that the ceremony needed only two Muslim witnesses for it to be accepted.

Chronology of events

Meanwhile, Ramlang also provided a chronology of the Aug 15, 2008, ceremony.

5pm: One Ustaz Hafizan Ibrahim asks me to be a witness in Saiful's swearing ceremony with three other imams Tengku Nor Hasef, Moghni Asrori, Mohd Nazarudi Mohd Nadzir. I inquire who directed and was told that Che Mat had directed it.

5.30pm: I go to the marriage hall to solemnise the marriage ceremony first. While passing the prayer hall somebody from Saiful's family inquires whether I will be one of the witnesses to which I said yes. I told him that I have to attend the (marriage) ceremony first.

6.05pm: I finish solemnising the marriage and go to the mosque's office.

6.10pm:

Saiful arrives with his family, along with the police (special branch) from Sentul. Saiful is accompanied by his lawyers.

6.15pm: Jawi director Che Mat Che Ali arrives with Ustaz Ajib Ismail. After a short discussion with Saiful, they agree to have the ceremony at the prayer hall. I enter the hall with Che Mat and the director asks me to listen to Saiful's swearing.

6.20pm: Reporters and journalists get ready. Saiful's representatives sit down and suddenly ask where is Che Mat. I looked behind me and saw the director hiding behind the mimbar.

6.25pm:

Saiful Bukhari swears.

6.40pm: After the ceremony, one Ustaz Zakaria, a special officer to the Jakim director-general asks if the ceremony is over. I tell him it was over. Those present were Che Mat, Ustaz Ajib Ismail and five Jawi enforcement officers.

8pm: TV3 broadcasts the ceremony and this was highlighted by the other media the next day.