Anwar's application to dismiss Shafee rejected

The Putrajaya Federal Court has rejected the application by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to dismiss Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah from leading the prosecution in the government’s appeal against the sodomy case decision.

The five panelists, led by Chief Judge of Malaysia, Tan Sri Zulkefli Ahmad Makinuddin, ruled on the grounds that the sworn declaration by former Kuala Lumpur CID, Datuk Mat Zain Ibrahim’s evidence cannot be proved.

The other judges present were Sabah and Sarawak Chief judge, Richard Malanjum and Federal judges, Suriyadi Halim Omar, Zaleha Zahari dan Jeffrey Tan Kok Wha.

Anwar’s second appeal to remove Shafee came after his first try was rejected in the Appeals Court on 17 September 2013 and the decision was held by the Federal Court on 21 November the same year.

The first application to drop Muhammad Shafee was based on his qualifications and his appointment on the grounds that a conflict of interest exists as Shafee was an important witness in the Anwar’s sodomy trial.

Anwar allegedly sodomised Mohd. Saiful Bukhari in Unit 11-5-1, Condominium Desa Damansara, No. 99, Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara at 3.01pm and 4.30pm on 28 June 2008.

The Permatang Pauh parliament member however was acquitted after the High Court judge, , Datuk Zabidin Mohd. Diah released him on 10 January 2012 as there was no solid evidence from the prosecution.