Malaysia's prime minister-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim has hit back at yet another sexual misconduct accusation launched against him.

Accused of sexual misconduct by ex-staffer

The People's Justice Party (PKR) president's former research officer, Yusoff Rawther, claimed on Wednesday, Dec. 4, that he was the victim of molest, indecent exposure, and a lewd proposal by Anwar, Malaysiakini reported.

The alleged incident took place on Oct. 2, 2018, at Anwar's residence in Segambut.

The day also happened to be the fourth day of the Port Dickson by-election campaign.

Yusoff's claim was made through a statutory declaration dated Nov. 19 that he read out at a press conference on Dec. 4.

He had also posted a video of the presser onto Facebook.

Anwar denied Yusoff's claims

In response, Anwar has denied Yusoff's allegations against him in a statement, saying he was "busy campaigning for the Port Dickson by-election" on that same day, Malaysiakini reported.

In addition, he said he attended an event to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birthday in Kuala Lumpur, before returning to Port Dickson to continue with his campaign activities.

Not surprised if this happens again

Speaking to reporters at the parliament on Thursday, Dec. 5, Anwar said he "wouldn't be surprised" if more of such claims were levelled against him again in the future.

He also questioned the timing of the statutory declaration, as it was made only days before the start of the PKR congress this Saturday, Dec. 7.

Anwar, who has been imprisoned twice before on charges of sodomy, added that it is "disgusting" that "the level of gutter politics being played... is becoming quite a culture in Malaysia".

However, he has always denied the charges and maintained that they were politically motivated.

Yusoff's claim questioned by his family

Yusoff's granduncle, Mohideen Abdul Kader, has since claimed in a statement released on Wednesday, Dec. 4, that Yusoff has been manipulated by politicians, New Straits Times reported.

Saying that Yusoff "is a young man with inflated ego of himself who did not even complete his university course", Mohideen emphasised that Yusoff had never brought up the incident to his family, including his late grandfather, consumer rights pioneer SM Mohamed Idris.

In addition, Mohideen said his grandnephew has been "estranged from the family" since Idris passed away in May this year.

Top image via The Star Online/YouTube