Malaysia leader target of sex charge

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 29 (UPI) -- Malaysian authorities say they've received a complaint against one of the country's top political leaders alleging he sexually assaulted his male aide.

Police officials in Kuala Lumpur confirmed a report had been lodged but declined to give details to the Malaysia Star newspaper. It quoted unnamed sources saying police were waiting for the medical report from a hospital before proceeding with an investigation of Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

A man claiming to be Anwar's aide lodged a police report alleging sodomy by the PKR leader, the newspaper said. Sources said the man, in his 20s, alleges he was sexually assaulted Thursday inside a luxury apartment in the city.

Anwar released a statement to Malaysian media Sunday calling the allegations "a total fabrication."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told the Bernama news agency he would let police decide the authenticity of the allegation. He said Anwar's denial should not be taken on face value.