However, Saiful, who formerly worked as an aide at the PKR office, said he was affected by the current cooperation between Mahathir and Anwar.

“I don’t care for the opposition. But when he (Mahathir) supported Anwar, it hurt me a little. It is rather sad for me.”

Mahathir met Anwar for the first time in 18 years on Sept 5, ending a rivalry between the two leaders that had reached its peak in the late 1990s.

Saiful remains steadfast in his accusation of sodomy against Anwar and is certain that Mahathir still believes him despite the two political opponents joining hands.

“He (Mahathir) did not say that it (the accusation) was untrue. He only said to free him (Anwar),” Saiful told FMT.

Anwar is currently serving his five-year sentence after the Federal Court determined in 2015 that Saiful was a reliable and honest witness.

Saiful has opened a clothing stall with his wife, Nik Suryani Megat Deraman, in conjunction with the 2016 Umno general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

Saiful’s business, which he runs with his wife, sells handbags, songket, shirts and skirts.

Saiful and Nik Suryani also offer media consultation services to politicians and public representatives.

“We give consultations on how to hold press conferences, release statements and to answer provocative questions from reporters.

“Research-wise, I work with a few other groups to prepare voter census services. We research and evaluate the related areas,” Saiful said.

He estimates that around 20 politicians have employed his consultation services.