Mahathir backs accused deputy

Mahathir backs accused deputy

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad revealed yesterday he had received a letter alleging his deputy, Anwar Ibrahim, was involved in a sex scandal but said the allegations were false.

"There is no truth in it," Mahathir was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency when asked by reporters about rumors that he had received a letter recently from someone claiming that a senior government official was involved in a sex scandal.

Mahathir said there was an attempt to sabotage Anwar's image through allegations that Anwar was involved in a scandal.

The prime minister said he did not believe the allegations would damage Anwar's image "unless somebody is very stupid to believe such ridiculous accusation against him".