Only DAP CEC can decide action against Yong, says Loke
DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke (photo, above) says the party has not met yet over action to be taken, if any, against Perak exco Paul Yong who has been charged for allegedly raping his Indonesian maid today.
"The Perak Menteri Besar has given his views. It is not up to me to comment. The DAP Central Executive Committee has not met over the latest development...
DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke (photo, above) says the party has yet to meet on action to be taken, if any, against Perak exco Paul Yong who has been charged for allegedly raping his Indonesian maid today.
"The Perak Menteri Besar has given his views. It is not up to me to comment.
"The DAP Central Executive Committee has not met over the latest development, and it is up to the committee to decide if there is any action (against Yong)," Loke said, after launching the Rapid Bus and Ferry unlimited pass - My100 and My50 in George Town today.
Earlier, Yong, who is also Tronoh assemblyperson, pleaded not guilty to the charge of raping his former Indonesian domestic worker under Section 376 of the Penal Code.
The court granted the 49-year-old politician bail at RM15,000 with one surety.
Perak DAP believes that Perak exco Paul Yong is innocent on his rape allegations, but the state unit will hold discussions with the party's central executive committee on Yong's exco post.
It said this following a meeting today after Yong claimed trial to his rape charge, adding that discussions would also be held with Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
"The (issue) of the exco post held by Yong will be decided by the state and central leadership and then (we will) discuss with the menteri besar.
"Perak DAP arrived at a unanimous decision in its meeting earlier today and (we) believe that Yong is innocent and will offer him assistance to clear him (of his charges) and seek justice via legal means," said it said in a statement today.
Perak DAP said that everyone is innocent until proven guilty in court.
"As such, the party respects the procedure of law and will defend justice and fairness to ensure that the trial will be fair to both parties," said Perak DAP.
Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu (photo) had advised Yong to go on leave pending the completion of his court case.
Yong, however, had refused to do so and vowed to return to work, adamant that he was a "victim and not a criminal".
Loke was asked to respond to the matter as previously when DAP was in the opposition, its party leaders had urged BN leaders to quit their positions when facing charges in court.
Meanwhile, Loke was also asked to comment about speculation that there would be a cabinet reshuffle in Putrajaya, most likely to take place by Sept 15.
Although Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has refuted the claim of dropping ministers, the premier said there were discussions about a minor reshuffling of ministry portfolios.
"Will you still be keeping your job?" Loke was asked.
To which, he replied: "I do not know if I will still have my job. I do not have any information regarding the reshuffle or swapping of portfolios."
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