Paul Yong's refusal to take leave smacks of disrespect, says Perak Umno

IPOH: Perak executive council member Paul Yong's refusal to take the Mentri Besar's advice to go on leave shows his disrespect for the chief executive of the state, claims Perak Umno chairman Datuk Saarani Mohamed.

Saarani said he was shocked that Yong, who was charged with rape, openly rejected Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu's advice.

He claimed that Yong's action went against the principle of the rule of law.

"In principle, we support the Mentri Besar's advice for Yong to take leave of absence from his positions to ensure the legal process is respected, aside from protecting the image and dignity of the state administration.

"His action is against the values of integrity.

"What happen to the principle of accountability that they have been crying about all this while?" he said in a statement Friday (Aug 23).

"This shows the disrespect for the Mentri Besar, which has become a culture in the state administration following the series of attempt to topple him prior to this," he said.

"This latest episode shows the fragility of the state administration which is filled with controversies while the people continue to suffer from the economic downturn and political instability," he added.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued on its Facebook page, Perak DAP said it supported and stood by Yong.

"We strongly believe that someone is innocent until proven guilty.

"We will respect the judicial process and will ensure the trial is fair to both parties.

"We will also stand by Yong's family and believe that truth and justice will prevail.

"As for Yong's position as the state exco member, we will discuss with the national leadership and then meet with the Perak Mentri Besar," it added.