KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - The Turkish Embassy said it never invited former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take refuge at the embassy.

A statement issued by the embassy on Monday said that Anwar went to the Turkish Embassy on Sunday morning and asked to be admitted for a temporary period citing personal security concerns.

He wanted to stay till 'certain issues regarding his personal safety were addressed'.

'His wish was granted on humanitarian grounds,' the statement said.

'At no time and under no circumstances an invitation to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take refuge at the embassy was extended,' it said.

Anwar left the embassy on his own accord at 6.45pm on Monday, the statement added.