I refer to “Anwar not made to strip naked, says HKL director” (Star July 19).
There has been some controversy as to whether PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was made to strip naked and had his private parts examined and measured. It was surprising that Hospital Kuala Lumpur director Datuk Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain came out to deny that Anwar was made to strip naked for the examination. How can a physical examination be done without adequate exposure?
Any doctor will agree that adequate exposure is essential for a proper medical examination. This is a basic lesson for all medical students. In cases of a rape or sodomy, examination of the private parts is imperative and that can only be done if those parts are fully exposed to the examining doctor.
The examining doctor must clearly explain the procedure and obtain his prior consent before being subjected to the examination. Moreover the examination has to be done in a professional manner and adhering fully to proper clinical procedure. If these are strictly adhered to, as Dr.Zaininah claims, it would be perfectly acceptable and will not be considered violating the patient’s decency, modesty or dignity.
A patient cannot and should not be compelled to be examined if he refuses to do so. In cases of sexual crime, genital and rectal examination is a must and there is no way that can be done if he does not agree to undress himself adequately in the privacy of the qualified medical examiner. External or superficial examination of a person involved in sodomy or rape would not be inadequate, unacceptable and would be just a waste of time and resources.
Stripping is part of a proper medical examination that was requested by the police as the law enforcement agency and Anwar as an ordinary citizen had to comply. The stripping and the subsequent examination that follows is done with respect for the patient’s chastity and dignity. The question here is not whether Anwar was stripped naked to be examined but whether the procedure was indicated at that particular time in the first place. What puzzles one is the way it was carried out. Why was the need to rush in for an “emergency” medical examination at night on a person suspected of sodomy that is believed to have taken place more than 2 weeks before?
Medical examination of those involved in rape and sodomy are part of routine police investigations but it should be carried out professionally and fairly regardless of social status or political ideology. There should be no interference and influence from outside parties. It would be morally wrong to use medical examinations and procedures for desired political motives.
Dr.Chris Anthony
