KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak read out a statement at a press conference in Parliament, saying that the statutory declaration by P. Balasubramaniam was a "red herring" by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to divert public attention from the sodomy allegation against him.

Following is a transcript of his statement:

"Firstly, I want to repeat that whatever that had been said is considered sub judice because the case is still under trial in court. However, I wish to repeat strongly that I did not know or have met the Mongolian woman mentioned in the statutory declaration.'

'The statutory declaration, which I consider as a horrible lie, a mere fabrication with malicious intention and slanderous element which aimed to smear my image. I am very sure that this is a very desperate attempt to divert attention from the sodomy allegation that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is facing now.'

'What is important now is not the matter raised as a diversion, (or) red herring, but what people want to know is whether the sodomy case happened or not. I hope the relevant authorities will investigate and make an announcement as soon as possible.'

'On the statutory declaration, because the declaration contradicts the testimonies in court and also with the police report, I leave it to the authorities to investigate fully.

The parties responsible (for the statutory declaration) should be prepapred to accept any consequences if the authorities uncover any legal wrongdoing."