Existing DNA sample too old, says PM
Malaysiakini.com
Jul 18, 2008
Chan Kok Leong 

The authorities require a fresh DNA sample from Anwar Ibrahim because the sample extracted 10 years ago is too old, said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.
MCPX

"So we are asking for a new sample," he told a press conference in Putrajaya.

Following his arrest on Wednesday in relation to a sodomy allegation, Anwar had refused to give a DNA sample.

He had expressed concern that the sample could be tampered with.

abdullah ahamad badawi pm anti inflation pc 090608 01Commenting on this, Abdullah said he had asked the authorities why they required a fresh sample from the opposition leader.

He was told that the sample taken in 1998 was too old and the authorities needed a fresh sample for their investigation.

"If he is not guilty, why worry about giving a new DNA sample. If he is indeed innocent, there is nothing for him to fear," he said.

"If he has not done anything, than provide a sample. Do it. I want to see it. Let's see the result which could prove that he did not do it," he told reporters.

PM: There's no conspiracy

Abdullah also reiterated that there was no conspiracy against Anwar.

"There is no conspiracy or action to frame him for anything. The government is innocent in this matter," said Abdullah.

He was responding to a question on reports that the United States was concerned that the latest sodomy allegation against Anwar was politically motivated.

"International perception is based on the past. And we can't stop people from believing what they want to believe," he added.

"But the reality is, the government hasn't done anything to frame him," said Abdullah.

anwar ibrahim freed from police ipk detention pc 170708 wavingOn Anwar's request for the prime minister to guarantee that the investigations will be conducted professionally, Abdullah said that he was ready to do that.

"When his wife (Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) came to me asking for a guarantee that Anwar wouldn't end up with a black eye, I gave my assurance.

"He will be safe and will be protected by the law as long as he obeys it. The authorities will also abide the law," he added.

Petrol for taxi owners at RM1.92

In an unrelated development, Abdullah today launched an initiative encouraging the use of a hydrofuel gadgets.

The gadget is a local product developed by Dr Halim Ali and the company producing it is 100 percent bumiputera-owned.

The gadget is currently being tested in 100 taxis for three months.

According to Halim, the gadget will help lower petrol consumption by 29-50 percent and can be used by vehicles below 2,000cc.

The contraption - which is fitted to a normal petrol engine - can also help cut carbon emission down by 60 percent.

However, no data comparing the gadget and normal petrol engines or LPG models were provided.

taxi kuala lumpur teksi 240307 kl sentral taxi standMeanwhile, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Samad announced that 40,231 taxi owners will be eligible for subsidised petrol at RM1.92 a litre up to a maximum of 720 litres per month.

On June 4, petrol prices went up by 78 sen to RM2.70 per litre.

Watch 3-min video of PM's press conference 

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