How to trust the police? To trust or not to trust, that is the million ringgit question. It's simple enough to understand the fears of Anwar Ibrahim that his DNA sample could be tampered with, considering the fact that the accuser, Saiful Bukhari Azlan is under police protection.
A DNA expert has revealed that a DNA sample could be kept for many years under optimal conditions, so why can't they use the one from 10 years ago.
Another reason for the fear is that it would lead to fabrication of evidence just like what happened in the 1999 sodomy trial, when the proceedings saw the illegal removal of DNA samples from forensic custody and the ‘planting’ of blood samples.
The disclosure of these incidents in court led to the expunging of the entire DNA evidence. It was a disgrace and a black mark in the impartiality of the whole proceedings.
The DNA is merely corroborative evidence and not primary evidence, as pointed out by Anwar's lawyer, Sivarasa Rasiah.
So the whole question now lies with the police - are they going to be impartial, independent and professional in discharging their duties in respecting Anwar, and not treat him like the most wanted criminal in Malaysia when they did a balaclava-clad commando style of arrest on Anwar long before the deadline in broad daylight?
This is most despicable and shameful and has brought back memories of the shameful episode 10 years ago when the highest member of the police gave Anwar a black eye. Shameful because of the amount of human rights abuses inflicted on him.
By arresting him before the deadline, they have breached confidence and public trust in the police.
If they can do this to him, I can't imagine what they will do to lesser mortals. Certainly, public confidence in the police is in tatters, this when justice for Anwar is what matters now.
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