Mr Paisley said the SDLP was conducting a "witchhunt" against him and described it as "pathetic".

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"Juventus has defended him very strongly, the president of Juventus (Andrea Agnelli) has said this is a kind of witchhunt, but he is very inexperienced in these matters, " he added.

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As for Anwar's agenda during his absence, Mahathir said he would meet religious leaders to halt any abuses in enforcing Islamic laws, resolve any Bakun dispute and fight corruption without going on a witchhunt.

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