The prosecution in the rape case involving Perak state executive council member Paul Yong Choo Kiong has applied for its witnesses, including the victim, to be given witness protection.
Deputy public prosecutor Azar Mokhtar filed the applications under Sections 12,18 and 20 of the Witness Protection Act 2009.
“It is to enable witnesses to testify in camera…the application for the second witness, whose identity has not been disclosed, is for safety reasons,” he told reporters after the trial’s first day here on Monday (Nov 11).
Yesterday’s proceeding was held in camera before Sessions Court judge Norashima Khalid, with deputy public prosecutors Ainul Wardah Shahidan and Naidatul Athirah Azman, together with Azar, appearing for the prosecution, while lawyers Ramkarpal Singh, RSN Rayer and Farhan Sapian, represented Yong.
Another lawyer, Leong Cheok Keng, withdrew from representing Yong after the prosecution informed the court that he had given his statement to police on the case.
On Aug 23 this year, Yong pleaded not guilty to raping a maid at a house in Meru Desa Park between 8.15pm and 9.15pm on July 7.
The proceeding continues this Wednesday (Nov 13) when the court will decide on the prosecution’s application.