Paul Yong has responsibility to attend state assembly, says Perak MB

Paul Yong Choo Kiong. -Starpic

IPOH: Perak executive council member Paul Yong Choo Kiong has a responsibility to attend the ongoing state assembly sitting, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

A statement issued by the Perak Mentri Besar's office on Tuesday (Nov 19) said Yong had expressed his wish to resume duties as he believed in the principle that one was innocent until proven guilty by the court.

"He also needs to answer questions related to his portfolio.

"Thus, he will continue his duties as the state exco member and assemblyman," the statement said.

Yong, who is the Housing, Local Government, Public Transport, Non-Muslims Affairs and New Villages Committee chairman, resumed his official duties on Friday (Nov 15), despite stating in August that he was taking leave to concentrate on the rape case against him.

On July 7, the Tronoh assemblyman claimed trial to a charge of raping a maid at a house in Meru Desa Park between 8.15pm and 9.15pm.

Meanwhile, Ipoh High Court Judicial commissioner Mohd Radzi Harun set Nov 26 to hear an application for Yong's case to be transferred to the High Court.

The proceedings, which was supposed to be heard today (Nov 19), was postponed because Yong had to attend the state assembly sitting.

Deputy Public Prosecutors Ainul Wardah Shahidan and Naidatul Athirah Azman prosecuted the case, while Yong was represented by Farhan Sapian.