Malaysia police chief, AG barred from Anwar probe

Updated July 21, 2008 08:22:56

The Malaysian prime minister has excluded former captors of opposition figure Anwar from the latest investigation. [Reuters]

Malaysia's prime minister, Abdullah Badawi, says the country's police chief and attorney-general will be excluded from investigating opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim who has been accused of sodomy.

Mr Badawi says with Musa Hassan and attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail not having a role in the case there is need to suspend them, as called for by the opposition.

The premier's announcement follows Mr Anwar's claim that he was being targeted because of allegations he has made against Abdul Gani and Musa over his treatment during his original trial.

Mr Anwar has accused them of manipulating evidence in an investigation into the severe beating he received when he was in police custody at the time.

Mr Badawi says police involved in the case would not refer to Musa or Abdul Gani during the investigation.