Ex-RTD deputy DG makes U-turn on emergency lane charge plea

PUTRAJAYA: Former Road Transport Department (RTD) deputy director-general Datuk Yusoff Ayob today made a U-turn when he claimed trial to a charge of driving in an emergency lane.
Exactly a week ago, Yusoff sent a representative to his court case to plead guilty on his behalf to the same offence, for which magistrate Nik Isfahanie Tasnim Wan Ab Rahman had fined him RM600.
Following furore over his failure to appear before the court, Chief Justice Tan Sri Md Raus Sharif announced that the case would be remitted back to the magistrate's court for Yusoff to personally answer to the charge.
Subsequently, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur last Friday ordered the case to be heard by a new magistrate and for Yusoff to be charged again.
In sending the case back to the lower court, Judicial Commissioner Datuk Indera Ab Karim Ab Rahman, using revisionary powers as a judge, set aside the fine imposed by Nik Isfahanie.
He also ordered Yusoff, who was the RTD deputy director-general of planning and operations, to personally enter his plea.
Yusoff, 58, has since been transferred to the Public Service Commission (PSD).
He was charged with driving a car with registration number "BLY 68" in an emergency lane at Lingkaran Putrajaya at 6.27pm on Oct 7 last year.
The charge, under Section 119(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, provides for a fine of up to RM2,000, or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
Yesterday, Yusoff was in court but was seated outside the dock, as it was a summons case.

The RM600 fine paid by Yusoff through his aide last week was returned.
His lawyer Baljit Singh Sidhu, informed magistrate Syahrul Sazly Md Sain that he would be making a representation to the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Izzat Fauzan told the court the prosecution would need a month to get feedback on the representation.
The court fixed Aug 21 for mention and exchange of documents.
Outside the court, Baljit said his client was not represented last week as he did not get proper legal advice.
Asked if he would be seeking to drop or reduce the charge in his representation to the prosecution, Baljit replied: "At the moment, I can't disclose anything."