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Malaysia debates DNA bill with eye on Anwar case
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-08-18 16:11 KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Malaysia's government on Monday proposed a law that would make it mandatory for criminal suspects to provide DNA samples, a move that critics claim is meant to bolster a sodomy charge against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar introduced the DNA Identification Bill in Parliament, but denied the government was targeting Anwar, who has refused to give police a DNA swab in an investigation into an accusation that he sodomized a male aide. "There is no political motive," Syed Hamid told reporters. "I think it is ridiculous that (the opposition) looks at everything as having a political motive." Anwar, who is contesting an August 26 by-election for a Parliament seat and wants to topple the government by mid-September, was charged with sodomy earlier this month, the second time in a decade he has faced the accusation, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Anwar says authorities might tamper with his DNA sample to implicate him in the case. Police have dismissed his concern and pledged a fair investigation. Parliament must debate the DNA bill before it can be passed, a virtual certainty because government lawmakers comprise a majority. It must also be approved by the Senate and the king. Syed Hamid said officials began drafting the bill in 2001, but did not say when the government expects the law to take effect. Under the proposed law, suspects can be jailed for a year if they refuse to provide DNA. |
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