(EXCLUSIVE)Doc: It was a sodomy examination

Contrary to what his employer Pusrawi Hospital has claimed, Dr Mohd Osman Abdul Hamid insisted that he performed a sodomy-related examination on Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan on June 28.

MCPX

In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini yesterday, the Burmese physician said the procedure known as the ‘per-rectal examination’ is a ‘must know’ for doctors.

"Every doctor knows how to do it, that is a normal practice. (One doesn’t) need to be a specialist for that examination," added the father of three, explaining in detail how the test is done.

The doctor made his first public appearance yesterday after ‘missing’ for more than a month since his medical report, which ruled out that Saiful was sodomised, was leaked to the media.

Following this, Pusrawi Hospital stated that Osman did not conduct a sodomy related check on the patient

Saiful, 23, had accused his former employer Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim of sodomising him and the matter is being heard in court.

Osman subsequently made a statutory declaration that he stood by his findings.

The doctor, accompanied by his lawyers M Puravalen and Yusri Kamarudin, reiterated this at a press conference yesterday.

'I am qualified'

During the interview with Malaysiakini, Osman also rebutted his employer’s claim that he was not qualified to make a conclusion on a sodomy case.

The hospital management had stated that Osman was not in a position to make the conclusion as he was a general practitioner stationed at the Emergency Unit and not a specialist.

Asked if he was qualified to make such an assessment, Osman answered firmly: "Yes. Every medical doctor can do the test. That is a very basic test."

According to the leaked medical report, Saiful apparently told the doctor that he was allegedly assaulted with a piece of plastic inserted into his anus.

Anwar - who is the newly-elected Permatang Pauh MP - was subsequently charged with sodomy on Aug 7. He pleaded not guilty and is out on a RM20,000 bond.

'I want my life back'

Throughout the 25-minute interview, Osman, who appeared fatigued, was cautious in choosing his words, saying that he was bound by doctor-patient confidentiality.

He refused to elaborate on the details about his meeting with Saiful at the clinic when quizzed on this several times. The doctor said he would reveal this if asked to testify in court.

However, he confirmed that Saiful did not mention who had allegedly sodomised him during the medical examination.

Osman also said that he did not advise Saiful to lodge a police report.

The doctor, who hails from southern Burma, has been residing in Malaysia for about 20 years with his family, including one of his three children, who was born and educated in this country.

Osman revealed that part of his reason to return to Malaysia after being away for more than a month was because his youngest daughter is sitting for the UPSR exam next week.

He decided to go on leave because he felt pressured after being grilled by the police on three occasions.

Saying he felt more 'relieved' after going on leave, Osman added this is why he chose to come out in public.

Towards the end of the interview, the doctor expressed his desire to return to his work and low-profile life which turned upside down since the medical report was leaked.

"I want my life back," he said.