IPOH: Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan's act of swearing on the Quran to substantiate his sodomy allegations against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was a popular talking point at the 54th muktamar here yesterday -- but in hushed tones on the sidelines.

While the matter was not raised during the debate sessions, there was plenty being said about it outside the Indera Mulia Indoor Stadium, where the assembly was being held.

Delegates deliberated and voiced their views on what took place at the Federal Territory mosque on Friday. Some criticised Mohd Saiful's act and accused him of being a tool, while others felt it was time that Anwar responded the same way.

Party leaders, however, were not happy, saying that Mohd Saiful's act was not only an insult to Islam but also politically motivated.

Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said in Islam there was no such thing as swearing on the Quran.
He said the act was made even more unfortunate because religious officials were involved, and they were supposed to have knowledge of such things.

"It was a stupid move by him (Mohd Saiful) and what made it worse was that it involved those who use the name of Islam.

"Swearing on the Quran is not in keeping with the demands of Islamic law. What we have in Islam is li'an (swearing involving married couples). Swearing on the holy book is a practice of Christians, who swear on the Bible.

"For Muslims, it is li'an, which is the case of a man accusing his wife of having illicit sex, but Anwar and Mohd Saiful are not husband and wife."

Abdul Hadi said the right thing to do was to let the syariah court decide the matter, since both the accuser and the accused were Muslims.

Abdul Hadi also said Mohd Saiful's sodomy claims were politically motivated.

"Why did he do it (swear) on the eve of the (Permatang Pauh by-election) nominations? It is clear that a dirty political game is being played."

Nevertheless, Abdul Hadi believed that the voters in Permatang Pauh would not be influenced, and expressed confidence that Anwar would win the by-election.

"I believe in Anwar's innocence and I am confident more will vote for him after seeing all this happening."

Pas deputy spiritual leader Datuk Dr Haron Din echoed Abdul Hadi's sentiments, saying there was no such thing as swearing on the Quran and doing it in the mosque.

In any case, he said Mohd Saiful's actions were odd as it was usually the accused, and not the accuser who should do it.

Meanwhile, a delegate from Johor, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "This (swearing on the Quran) is not a laughing matter. I think it is time for him (Anwar) to respond, perhaps in the same way."

He said Anwar should also swear on the Quran to prove his innocence.

"He must do it if he wants to clear his name."

A Pahang delegate, who believed Anwar was innocent, also felt the same way, adding that doing likewise would silence (Anwar's) critics once and for all.

"Malaysians, especially Muslims, are watching this very closely."