A PERAK exco charged with rape pleaded not guilty at the Ipoh Sessions Court this morning.

Paul Yong is accused of the crime by his maid, who lodged a report on the matter on July 8.

He was arrested the following day, and later released on police bail.

Last night, Perak Speaker Ngeh Koo Ham lodged a report at the Ipoh district police headquarters after receiving information on the allegation against Yong.

“About 6pm today (yesterday), while I was at a hotel in Jalan Datoh, Ipoh, I received information that the person who took the Indonesian maid to lodge a police report on the alleged rape is believed to have received RM100,000.

“She was also threatened using a pistol to not expose the secret.”

The charge, under Section 376 of the Penal Code, carries up to 30 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.

Yong, who is also Tronoh assemblyman, arrived at the courthouse at 8.57am in a BMW. Police had reinforced security in the vicinity to prevent any untoward incident.

A group of his supporters had gathered at the courthouse entrance since 8.30am. About 20 media practitioners were present.

Yong’s lawyers comprised Farhan Sapian, Malim Nawar assemblyman Leong Cheok Keng, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer.

The prosecution was represented by deputy public prosecutors Azhar Mokhtar, Ainul Wardah Shahidan and Naidatul Athirah Azman.

Judge Norashima Khalid set bail at RM15,000 with one surety, and September 24 for case management.

Earlier, Azhar requested that the court not grant bail for fear that the accused might harass the key witness.

Ram Karpal then urged against it, saying the woman is “sheltered at a safe place”.

He added that Yong has to support four children, and has been cooperative with police. – Bernama, August 23, 2019.