The arrest of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today to assist police investigations in connection with a sodomy complaint filed against him by his former aide, Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, was a normal practice in investigating criminal cases and followed the legal process, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

He said it was normal practice for all parties including Anwar, as accused persons to come forward to give their statements to enable police to conduct investigations fairly.

“The police know what they are doing and are only carrying out their duties in investigating this case,” he told reporters shortly after arriving at the KL International Airport here this afternoon from Brunei.

Musa was returning home after being honoured with the Datuk Seri Pahlawan award by the Sultan of Brunei yesterday.

He also advised supporters of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser not to cause any disturbances following this latest development.
“I hope they (PKR supporters) will not do anything that is against the law. Police will not hesitate to act against those who do,” he said, adding that he had instructed his men to be on higher alert to ensure the peace is not broken.

Meantime, PKR, through its Information Bureau, issued a statement urging supporters of the party to remain calm.

Earlier today, Anwar’s lawyer, Sankara Nair told reporters that the former deputy prime minister had been arrested under Section 377A of the Penal Code to assist investigations into a sodomy complaint that had been lodged against him.

He said if needed, Anwar might be held under remand for 24 hours or up to 14 days to facilitate investigations.

Anwar’s former aide, Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 23, lodged a police report on June 28 alleging that he had been sodomised by Anwar at a condominium in Damansara, Kuala Lumpur on June 26.

Pursuant to the report, Anwar, who denied the allegation, filed a defamation suit against the former Universiti Tenaga Nasional student for making false accusations.