Published: Monday March 11, 2013 MYT 2:21:00 PM
Updated: Monday March 11, 2013 MYT 2:44:07 PM

Saiful's father joins PKR

By MARTIN CARVALHO

Azlan Mohd Lazim (left) speaking to reporters during a press conference at the PKR office in Petaling Jaya on Monday.

PETALING JAYA: Azlan Mohd Lazim, the father of Saiful Bukhari, has joined Opposition party PKR.

Announcing this at a press conference here Monday, Azlan refused to explain the timing of his startling turnaround against his son Saiful Bukhari, who had accused Opposition leader and PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of sodomising him.

On Thursday, Azlan alleged that his son was part of a conspiracy hatched by a special officer in the Prime Minister's Department to destroy Anwar's political career.

Anwar was subsequently charged in court with committing sodomy on Saiful Bukhari but acquitted at the end of the defence's case. The prosecution has filed an appeal.

"Anwar is innocent and has become a victim of this slander," Azlan, 60, alleged then, adding that he was prompted to come forward with his revelation after making a decision based on the sodomy trial.

On Monday, Azlan said it was his right to refuse to answer questions related to his son.

"I have every right to choose and am aware of the implications of my actions," he told reporters.

He also said joining PKR was not the reason for his recent turnaround.

Asked if he was willing to undergo an oath-swearing ceremony (sumpah laknat) to support his allegation against his son, Azlan refused, saying it was not necessary and had little meaning.

Attempts by newsmen to pose further questions ended when PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifudin Nasution proceeded with the handing over ceremony of Azlan's membership form.

News

Published: Monday March 11, 2013 MYT 2:21:00 PMUpdated: Monday March 11, 2013 MYT 2:44:07 PM

Saiful's father joins PKR

By MARTIN CARVALHO

Published: Monday March 11, 2013 MYT 2:21:00 PM
Updated: Monday March 11, 2013 MYT 2:44:07 PM