THE Perak exco accused of rape by his maid has stepped forward to deny the claim.

Paul Yong, who is the exco in charge of public transport, non-Muslim affairs, new villages, housing and local government, said he is “totally shocked and baffled by the unfounded allegation”.

“I unequivocally and categorically deny the allegation. I reiterate that I have never raped or sexually assaulted her,” the 49-year-old said in a statement, as reported by Malaysiakini.

Yong’s lawyer, Leong Cheok Keng, was quoted as saying the exco, who is also Tronoh assemblyman and Perak DAP treasurer, was not arrested as reported, but voluntarily went to a police station yesterday.

The politician gave full cooperation to officers, said Leong, adding that Yong was released on police bail this morning.

State police chief Rozarudin Husain said the force has recorded a statement from the 23-year-old maid who accused Yong of rape.

She told police that the alleged offence took place at Yong’s residence in Meru, Ipoh.

Rozarudin said the woman has undergone a medical examination, and is now at a safe location while police conduct investigations.

He said police have questioned Yong’s family members and collected forensic evidence from his home. – July 10, 2019.