Do Not Add (up)
OK, I confess. I spent a bit of time trying to come up with an appropriate title that uses the letters DNA. And this is the best I could do. But, to get to the point of this comment, things really do not add up when I thought about the incessant calls for Anwar to give a fresh DNA sample.
Reuters, in a July 15 report said that the government on Tuesday demanded that Anwar provide his DNA for investigations into the sodomy complaint. “Our intention is to get to the truth,” Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said in a statement. “We have taken DNA (from the accuser) so we have to take Anwar’s DNA also.”
Doesn’t really make sense to take DNA from Saiful. What would that prove? And why would taking DNA from Saiful require Anwar to give his DNA?
The Star reported that Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir (BN-Jerlun) said in Parliament that he believed Anwar to have committed sodomy and added that DNA test evidence was another method of proof which could also be accepted.
The Sun reported that Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) said in Parliament, “For this to be done and in the spirit of truth, I hope the Opposition MPs will ask him to voluntarily give his DNA sample to the police for investigations.”
Another Sun report said on Friday :
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim can ask for the DNA test to be conducted in front of him if he was really concerned that there would be elements of manipulation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today.
He said if Anwar really wants to prove that he is not involved in the sodomy allegations, he should be willing to provide his DNA sample to prove his innocence.
“If he really insists that he is not involved whatsoever, just give the sample and ask for it (DNA test) to be conducted there and then. (Tell them) do it now, I want to see.
“If he said he did not do anything wrong, just wait and see, and of course the result will not show something which he has not done. That should be the way.”
“What’s so difficult about it?” Abdullah asked, after launching the hydrofuel taxi at the Dataran Putra here today.
And an NST report quoted Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar as saying, “If he is searching for the truth, he can get it very easily. Just give a blood sample for DNA tests.”
Even Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said Anwar should have cooperated and undergone a DNA test. He said it was normal for the police to seek DNA tests from suspects involved in rape and sodomy cases. “As a responsible citizen, Anwar should have cooperated with the police. “Nobody is above the law.”
The week before, it was, “if Anwar is innocent, he should prove it by swearing before God.” Now, if he is searching for the truth, just give a blood sample for DNA tests.
And it seems that after all the numerous episodes of CSI, we now believe that truth can be easily ascertained: just do a DNA test lah. Isn’t it incredible that so many government leaders think that all the case needs now is a little DNA sample?
The fact of the matter is that investigations are still ongoing, according to Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar. No charges have been brought against Anwar as yet. Anwar has the right, by law, to refuse to give a DNA sample. And this cannot be construed to imply guilt.
The proper attitude of the ministers should be, “I don’t care if Anwar is innocent or guilty. It is not my concern. This is a police matter. It is between Anwar and his accuser. Let the law take its course.” Instead, we have a chorus of ministers telling anyone who would listen that they think Anwar should agree to DNA testing. Isn’t it weird? Why would they care? It’s almost like they have an interest in the outcome.
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