From FMT:
Diehard ‘reformasi veterans’ tell Azmin to go on leave, question Dr M’s defence
PETALING JAYA: A group of diehard reformasi supporters has urged Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali to go on leave pending probes by the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission into allegations of corruption as well as alleged involvement in several lewd video clips.
Otai Reformasi, comprising PKR supporters who took to the streets in the aftermath of Anwar Ibrahim’s dramatic sacking from the government in 1998, also questioned Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s defence of Azmin, saying it feared interference by the prime minister in the investigations.
“Mahathir says the video is doctored using sophisticated technology, but we doubt he is qualified to talk about video technology.
“Meanwhile, the person in the video has confessed his involvement in the sex acts,” said the group’s chairman Idris Ahmad.
Idris said Mahathir’s response to the latest sex videos saga was also in contrast to his reaction in the late 90’s to allegations of sexual misconduct against his then-deputy Anwar.
“We hope Mahathir does not practise double standards in dealing with the video controversy,” he said.
On Sept 2, 1998, Mahathir sacked Anwar, accusing the latter of being a homosexual and sparking a political crisis which saw thousands taking to the streets.
Anwar, Mahathir’s anointed successor at the time, denied the allegations, saying they were designed to stop his quick rise to becoming the prime minister.