Anwar Refuses to Voluntarily give a DNA Sample. Being Detained Overnight

"BERNAMA Thursday 17th July 2008 00:27 AM

Anwar Declines To Give DNA Sample

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim Wednesday night turned down a police request for him to voluntarily allow a DNA sample to be taken in connection with an investigation into a report that he had sodomised a former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

Anwar's lawyer Sivarasa Rasiah said police also failed to get his client's permission to conduct a thorough medical examination while he was at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

"Datuk Seri Anwar turned down both the requests. No DNA sample was taken tonight," he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters after he had accompanied Anwar there from the hospital.

Anwar, 61, was brought to the police headquarters at 10.34 pm after he had been at the hospital for about two hours.

Sivarasa said Anwar only underwent a basic medical examination at the hospital.

Sivarasa said police had rejected an appeal by Anwar's family to have him released Wednesday night and, as such, Anwar was expected to be held overnight at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters.

Bernama understands that Anwar would be brought to the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court Thursday for police to get a remand order to enable them to conduct their investigation and obtain his statement over the sodomy report.

Meanwhile, about 500 supporters of Anwar gathered near the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters in the hope of obtaining the latest information on his detention.

Police, who had enforced strict control in the area, had closed Jalan Hang Tuah to all traffic as a security measure.

In PETALING JAYA, PKR Deputy President Dr Syed Hussein Ali called on party members to remain calm over the arrest of Anwar.

"I want the supporters and PKR members to remain calm and not to resort to any untoward behaviour that can lead to political unrest," he told a news conference at the PKR headquarters.

BERNAMA"

Emphasis added by me.

Salve sis

- May you be well