Paul Yong's trial: Maid possibly a 'political pawn', her family's lawyer tells court

IPOH: The Indonesian maid, who alleged she was raped by Perak executive council member Paul Yong, could be a "political pawn", her family's lawyer tells the Sessions Court here on Tuesday (Sept 24) during case management for the case.

When Gabriel Susayan, who is holding a watching brief on behalf of the woman's family, revealed this in court, one of Yong's counsels, 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 home.

According to the charge sheet, he 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, a large group of people gathered outside the court to show support for Yong. Numbering about 100 people, they arrived as early as 8am.

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.

It has been reported that Leow, along with Malim Nawar assemblyman Leong Cheok Keng, had announced their resignation from the DAP’s state committee.

Both 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 discussed at the state Pakatan Harapan meeting.

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