As Malaysians digest the latest sexual scandal in town, a debate has swept in over which is worse – liwat or zina (sodomy or adultery).
"If Saiful's sexual affair with the girl is his personal business, then why not the sodomy trial," wrote one commentator.
"It is the same (in that both are considered sins in some cultures) isn't it - zina and liwat. You can say under civil law there is specific provision to (nail) anwar but under Syariah law there is also punishment for zina."
Unfair advantage
Late on Tuesday, news broke that Farah Azlina Latiff, a deputy public prosecutor, was dropped from the sodomy trial against Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim because of an alleged sexual affair with the complainant in the case – Saiful Bukhair Azlan.
The Attorney-General would only say Farah was being dropped to prevent negative public perception of the prosecution, but Anwar’s lawyers are calling a mistrial.
Citing fundamental conflict of interest, they fear Saiful’s closeness to the DPP has armed him with unfair knowledge and advantage over Anwar.
Indeed the latest speculation making the rounds is that Farah even broke off her engagement to her fiancé just to be with Saiful.
“If true, all this indicates that the relationship was very serious. The fundamental issue is that of a serious conflict of interest and this cannot be resolved by removing her,” Sivarasa said.
“We can understand that this must be a terrible time for her and Saiful but imagine how Anwar and his family must have felt each time the government trumps up these charges against him.”
Muslims shocked
Meanwhile, Muslims leaders – shocked at how the scandal has been unfolding – are starting to call for a thorough probe. Under Syariah law, sex outside marriage is a punishable offence.
“With the current liberal outlook, it is hard to be the bad guy to push for punishment because we also have compassion in our hearts,” PAS vice president Mahfuz Omar told Malaysia Chronicle.
“But there is a convention we have subscribed to and we cannot avoid, especially now, when the incident has become so public. We would be failing in our duty to all concerned – including Anwar – if we do not urge the religious authorities to investigate and they would not be doing their duty by the ummat if they did not do so.”
Other pundits also slammed the entire episode which has shamed the country, pinning the blame on Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor. Anwar had accused the first couple of plotting the charges to derail his political comeback.
"The only one I feel sorry for is the girl for falling for Saiful," wrote the commentator. "It is enough. Najib should stop the farce once and for all and start repairing the country."
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