The legal expert was quoted as saying that at best, Azlan Mohd Lazim’s remarks could be used as “modal politik (political capital)” for Anwar, who is now preparing to lead the federal opposition into its first general election as the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) pact.
“(Azlan) was not one of the witnesses who testified in the case. All testimonies have been heard ... the case is now in the appeal stage,” Syahredzan told Sinar Harian here.
“In a legal sense, (the revelation) will not have any effect in helping (the defendant).”
Syahredzan said that this was the first case where a father refuted a son’s legal claim, but witnesses and plaintiffs have retracted their claims before.
The lawyer also admitted that Azlan’s revelation was close to contempt of court, and it will be up to the public prosecutor to take action.
Azlan, who was not with his son at the press conference called by PKR’s Datuk Johari Abdul, apologised to Anwar and his family over the incident, admitting the episode had put them through much pain and suffering.
His son Saiful Bukhari Azlan has denied any political conspiracy and expressed surprise at his father’s claim.
On January 9 last year, the High Court acquitted and discharged Anwar of sodomising Saiful, 27, at a Desa Damansara condominium unit in Bukit Damansara here between 3.10pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.
Anwar’s acquittal last year was highly-publicised, drawing the attention of thousands of people who camped outside the High Court as judgment was delivered, as well as hundreds of international media and political observers.
The veteran politician, who had earlier sued Saiful for wrongfully accusing him of sodomy, later withdrew the suit, saying his reputation had been vindicated by the acquittal.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers has appealed the acquittal, however, and hearing in the Court of Appeal has been set for July 22.