Paul Yong rape trial: Maid probably a ‘political pawn’, says lawyer

by Theleaders-Online | September 24, 2019 4:02 am

IPOH: The Indonesian maid who was alleged to have been sexually assaulted by Perak state executive councillor Paul Yong could have been used as a ‘political pawn’, said her family’s lawyer.

The lawyer said this at the Sessions Court today during case management of the matter.

When Gabriel Susayan, who is holding a watching brief for the woman, revealed the matter to the court, one of Yong’s lawyers, Ramkarpal Singh, interjected, saying that if there was such an allegation, a police report should be lodged.

Sessions Court judge Norashima Khalid set case mention on Oct 22, while hearing would be from Nov 11 to 15.

Yong is claiming trial to a charge of raping his 23-year-old Indonesian maid at his residence in Meru.

According to the charge sheet, Yong was alleged to have committed the act in a room at the top floor of his house in Meru Desa Park on July 7, between 8.15pm and 9.15pm.

He is represented by a panel of lawyers, including Malim Nawar assemblyman Leong Cheok Keng, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Farhan Sapian.

Deputy public prosecutor Azhar Mokhtar is prosecuting the case, along with Ainul Wardah Shahidan and Naidatul Athirah Azman.

Meanwhile, about 100 people gathered outside the court to show support for Yong.

They unfurled a banner in support of the Tronoh assemblyman, shouting “Hidup Paul Yong” (Long live Paul Yong) and “Nga Kor Ming letak jawatan” (Nga Kor Ming resign).

Kampar district councillor Steven Lee, who was seen leading the chant, declined to elaborate when met.

“I think I need not say more. We all know why.

“I think it is sufficient by referring to Pokok Assam assemblyman Leow Thye Yih’s statement,” he said.

Leow, along with Malim Nawar assemblyman Leong Cheok Keng, had resigned from Perak DAP state committee last month.

The duo were unhappy with how Nga handled Yong’s case, noting that the latter’s position as a state exco member should be discussed within the party first, before being deliberated at the state Pakatan Harapan meeting.

In his statement, Leow claimed that the position of the party’s working committee was determined by Nga and was not in accordance with the party’s constitution.

Source URL: https://theleaders-online.com/paul-yong-rape-trial-maid-probably-a-political-pawn-says-lawyer/