M'SIAN OPPOSITION LEADER FORMER AIDE SWEARS HE WAS SODOMISED

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 23, has sworn on the Quran that he was sodomised by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim who was his former employer.

Accompanied by his father and police personnel, he performed the swearing before an imam late Friday evening at the Federal Territory Mosque near here, witnessed by some 30 people, including media representatibes and members of his family.

Mohd Saiful had previously pledged that he would swear on the Quranabout the sodomy allegation.

At a press conference held 45 minutes after the swearing took place, Mohd Saiful challenged Anwar to also swear on the Quran to proclaim his (Anwar's)innocence.

He said taking this path (swearing on the Quran) was the best way for him to get justice "here and the hereafter" and also to regain his personaldignity.

On Aug 7, Anwar was charged in the Sessions Court with performing sex against the order of nature on Mohd Saiful on June 26 at a condominium nearhere.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which carries a jail sentence of up to20 years and whipping, if convicted.

-- BERNAMA