Paul Yong rape trial set for Nov 11-15

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Perak Housing, Local Government, Public Transport, Non-Islamic and Village Affairs Committee chairman Paul Yong Choo Kiong arrives at the Ipoh Sessions Court today. – Bernama photo

IPOH: The Sessions Court here today set five days beginning Nov 11 to hear the trial involving Perak state executive councillor Paul Yong Choo Kiong, who is charged with raping his Indonesian maid last July.

Sessions Court Judge Norashima Khalid also fixed Oct 22 as case mention following a request by his counsel, Ram Karpal Singh.

Ram Karpal, during case management, said the defence had only just received 47 forensic and scientific documents pertaining to the case, and was also considering getting its own experts to study them.

Meanwhile, Deputy Public Prosecutor Azhar Mokhtar told the court that 24 witnesses will be testifying during the trial.

The Tronoh assemblyman, clad in a navy blue suit and white shirt arrived at the court grounds at 8.45am to shouts of “Long Live Paul Yong” from about 200 of his supporters.

On Aug 23, Yong, who is State Housing, Local Government, Public Transport, Non-Islamic and Village Affairs Committee chairman, claimed trial to the charge of raping his 23-year-old maid.

Charged under section 376 of the Penal Code, he allegedly committed the offence in a room at the top floor of his house in Meru Desa Park on July 7, between 8.15pm and 9.15pm.

Besides Azhar, the prosecution team is also membered by Ainul Wardah Shahidan and Naidatul Athirah Azman while Yong’s panel of lawyers, besides Ram Karpal, who is Bukit Gelugor MP, comprised Farhan Sapian, Malim Nawar assemblyman Leong Cheok Keng and Jelutong MP RSN Rayer.

Also during proceedings today, lawyer Gabriel Susayan, who is holding a watching brief on behalf of the alleged victim’s family, said he will be requesting her family members to lodge a police report after they claimed the alleged victim was being made a political pawn in the case.

He said the family told him several lawyers tried to approach them but their requests were denied.

“I met the (alleged) victim’s mother last Friday and will be meeting the (alleged) victim as well. As counsel watching brief, we need to protect her and take care of her wellbeing,” he told reporters outside the courtroom. – Bernama