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Lawyer urges Perak MB to suspend Paul Yong from exco duties
Published:  Nov 18, 2019 9:37 AM
Updated: 1:37 AM

Prominent lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla has called on the Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu to immediately suspend the embattled Paul Yong Choo Kiong from his position the state executive councillor.

"Paul Yong is selfish, irresponsible, and rude to think that he could resume his duties and announce so when only the Menteri Besar has the power to determine the position of the state executive councillor.

"I suggest Ahmad Faizal to immediately suspend Yong from the position immediately," Haniff (photo) said in a statement.

He said the state government and the Tronoh assemblyperson should walk the talk in regards to the rule of law.

"More so when Tanjung Piai voters had signalled a message that the Pakatan Harapan government has to do its job responsibly and in line with the public interest," he said.

On Nov 15, Yong claimed that he had consulted with Ahmad Faizal to return to work after being pressured into taking leave, pending a trial after he was charged for allegedly raping his 23-year-old maid.

Yong (below) is the exco in charge of housing and local government, public transport, non-muslim affairs and new villages.

Yesterday, an audio recording, purportedly of a senior DAP leader slamming Yong for his decision to resume duties, has surfaced.

The leader claimed that Yong did not get the party's blessing before announcing his return, without naming him.

"Wear DAP's uniform, get DAP's salary but considers himself as the biggest person. Now some people can announce their resumption of duties on their own.

"There is no need to ask the party. Not a word to the party. I don't want to name names but everyone knows," the voice said.

Yong has so far declined to comment.

Meanwhile, activist Sudhagaran Stanley has dubbed Yong's resumption of duties as "shocking."

"It is insane and totally unacceptable for someone who is charged with rape to continue holding the exco position.

He is not only bringing himself into a shameful situation but the entire Perak state administration into a scandalous position," said Stanley, who is also the Penang coordinator for Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4).

Calling for the DAP leadership to intervene on the matter, Stanley noted how the political party had in many instances called for the resignation of political leaders when they were being charged in court for various offences during the previous government.

"The party should now walk the talk," he said.

Stanley said Yong must safeguard his image and that of the government while proving his innocence in court.

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