KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIAN police are considering bringing in foreign experts including DNA specialists to assist in the investigations into the sodomy allegations against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

One option being looked into is to bring in a DNA expert of Mr Anwar's choice to dispel any notion of a conspiracy involving the police.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar confirmed that police were looking at those options to show they were transparent and professional in investigating the case.

'We have been discussing it for quite sometime and will forward the suggestion to the authorities provided Anwar agrees to give his DNA sample voluntarily,' he said on Thursday.

'It is quite surprising to us as others accused of sodomy are more than willing or had even begged us to take their DNA sample so as to prove their innocence.'

Mr Ismail also said police were also considering obtaining a court order to compel Mr Anwar to provide his DNA samples.

He said the police and hospital authorities were having trouble getting a sample, as Mr Anwar was not cooperative with the police.

'He refused to provide a DNA sample when he was taken to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital here for a medical examination on Wednesday,' he added.

Mr Ismail refused to comment when he was asked why the police refused to use the previous DNA sample which was taken from Mr Anwar in 1998.

He said police were 'not interested in talking about the past'.

Mr Anwar, who was arrested near his house in Bukit Segambut on Wednesday, was released on police bail less than 24 hours after police completed recording his statement. The bail expires on Aug 18.

On why the police arrested Mr Anwar even after he had given an assurance that he would show up for questioning, Mr Ismail said police had acted on credible and reasonable evidence that he was not going to turn up at 2pm on Wednesday. -- The Star/ANN.