Someone spiked my drink, claims rep held over drugs

IPOH: Pasir Bedamar assemblyman Terence Naidu (pic), who was arrested for drug use at a nightclub in Prai, is claiming that his drink may have been spiked.

The two-term DAP state assemblyman and lawyer said he had only gone for a Chinese New Year meet-up with some friends and clients at the premises on Thursday.

“I did not take any illegal substance. I was shocked when I was told my urine tested positive as I don’t even smoke,” the 54-year-old said in a statement yesterday.

Naidu was arrested along with 47 others, including two policemen.

One of the policemen, who is based in Perak, had been suspended since December 2020 over criminal charges. The other is said to be from the Balik Pulau station on Penang island.

It is not known if the policemen were with Naidu, who has maintained his innocence.

“I was poured an unusual drink which I didn’t consume after tasting (it). I found out the following day that while I was in the toilet, someone had come to my table and topped up my glass.

“On Jan 14, immediately upon being released, I made a police report stating I was exposed to suspicious elements and named an eyewitness to this act,” he said, adding that the witness has also given a police statement.

Naidu was among 48 people arrested on Thursday. Of the number, 36 tested positive for drugs, including Naidu and the two policemen.

He is being investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act.

He said he is ready to be suspended from DAP to prevent the party from being dragged into the matter.

“As a responsible assemblyman elected under my party banner, I stand ready to protect it from harm.

“I intend to defend myself to prove my innocence,” he said, adding that he is well aware of his responsibilities as an assemblyman.

“Needless to say, many have jumped to the conclusion that I must be guilty.

“Nothing has changed. I shall carry out my duties and will stand by my position that drugs have and will always be a social issue, while continuing the fight against this.

“To my supporters who know me, especially the people of Pasir Bedamar, I apologise wholeheartedly for putting myself in the position of being compromised,” he added.

Earlier, Naidu had shot down an online report which quoted him as having denied being the state representative arrested at the nightclub.

In a short text reply to The Star, he said the report was fake.

According to the portal, Naidu reportedly said the “allegation” of his arrest was politically motivated.

He was also reported to have said that he was prepared to quit DAP to support Perikatan Nasional while also “promising” to clear his name in court.

Meanwhile, Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming has asked Naidu to submit a written report on the incident.

Nga said it is to allow the state and national party leadership to be informed of the facts of the case.