Mahathir's claim about Anwar has backfired - Azalina

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's claim that former opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is a victim of political vendetta has only appeared to have backfired on himself, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

In a statement on Friday, Azalina raised the question as to whether Dr Mahathir had forgotten that Anwar was removed from the government's administration in 1998 which was then led by the former premier himself.

In addition to that, said Azalina, Anwar was punished for personal reasons under Section 377B of the Penal Code, hence there was no question of him being a political victim as claimed by Dr Mahathir.

"Anwar Ibrahim has gone through all the processes permitted under the law to defend himself including having submitted a petition to the Pardons Board," said Azalina, in response to Dr Mahathir's claims as reported by The Guardian newspaper yesterday.

She said allegations by Dr Mahathir that there was interference in Anwar's sodomy conviction also directly questioned the independence and integrity of the Judiciary, and was an insult to the country's legislative and democratic system.

Azalina also claimed that Dr Mahathir frequently made 'U-turns', and this showed the true colours of the opposition who were willing to sacrifice their principles in order to fulfill their personal interests.

-- BERNAMA