IPOH: The DAP has called on the police to expedite the investigation into a claim made by the state party adviser Datuk Ngeh Koo Nam that a man was paid RM100,000 to bring an Indonesian maid to lodge a police report about an alleged rape against state executive councillor Paul Yong Choo Kiong.
Yong is scheduled to be charged at the sessions court in Ipoh later today on one count of raping his Indonesian maid at his home in Meru, some 12km from here.
DAP Legal Bureau head Ramkarpal Singh Deo (pix) said that the allegations made by Ngeh was serious and it deserves the full attention of the police.
Furthermore, it also casts suspicions that Yong may be a victim of a conspiracy to undermine his credibility. It may also have something to do with the political alignment in Perak, Ramkarpal said when contacted.
Nonetheless, Ramkarpal said that the party has informed Ngeh and Yong to respect the court proceedings and to face the charges.
“But we will also abide by the principle that a man is innocent until proven guilty in court. We hope all parties respect the rule of the law.”
The Pakatan Harapan led state government does not enjoy a two–thirds majority in the state where out of 59 state seats, it only has 31 seats, with Umno (25), and PAS (3).
If Yong is found guilty, it is stated under the law that he has to vacate his Tronoh state seat, thus paving the way for a by-election.
Meanwhile, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu called on Yong to take leave while he fights his case in court.
“This is the best recourse after the state was informed that he is to be prosecuted under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape.”
Yong faces imprisonment for a term of not less than eight years and not more than thirty years, and shall also be punished with whipping of not less than ten strokes.
“The rule of law is a fundamental aspect of society here,“ Ahmad Faizal said.
“At the same time, we also respect the principle that a person is innocent until proven otherwise,“ Ahmad Faizal said.
He, however, did not disclose who would be managing Yong’s portfolios if the latter is to go on leave.
