Kuala Lumpur, July 19 (IANS) Malaysia’s opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has charged Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar with interference in the probe into the sodomy charge against Ibrahim levelled by an aide. He alleged it was at the behest of Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Friday denied that anyone in his government was hatching any conspiracy against Ibrahim.

The probe would be allowed to be conducted unhindered, media reports Saturday quoted him as saying.

“It is to smear the credibility and reputation of our client. Syed Hamid should know better than to attempt to exert his influence on this matter, especially as he is a senior minister,” Ibrahim’s lawyer and political colleague R. Sivarasa said in a statement he issued at Ibrahim’s house Friday.

On the other hand, the prime minister Friday challenged Ibrahim to immediately disprove the sodomy allegation against him by submitting to DNA tests.

Badawi said if Anwar had not committed the alleged crime, he should be willing to provide the sample without delay.

“If indeed he is not involved, give the sample now. He said he did not do anything. So he must give a fresh sample to prove that he did not do it. I want to see the results.”

Abdullah said the case could be concluded quickly. “We want this to be resolved fast but (until Saturday) it still cannot be done,” the New Straits Times said.

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