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Key Highlights
Is Yusoff Rawther’s nightmare over?
Replace silent DAP 5 with louder voices
Two to be charged, more to come?
Is Yusoff Rawther’s nightmare over?
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former aide, Yusoff Rawther, has been acquitted over charges of drug trafficking and possession of firearms.
The verdict comes amid renewed attention on his civil suit alleging sexual assault by Anwar prior to his rise to power.
Yusoff’s lawyers have not ruled out taking legal action against the authorities, whom their client accused of framing him.
”All options are on the table,” said lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali.
Expressing concern for Yusoff's safety, PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan - who believes the charges were fabricated - has called for protective measures, warning that Yusoff's ordeal may be far from over.
“With Yusoff now freed by the court, I wonder: Is he truly free and safe? I was informed that he was kept in a death row cell in Sungai Buloh. Imagine the psychological toll. Is the nightmare really over?” he asked.
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Replace silent DAP 5 with louder voices
Their silence in times of injustice speaks louder than their presence in power. This is how the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement feels about DAP’s five ministers, including secretary-general Anthony Loke.
Association chairperson Ng Yap Hwa has suggested that the five be replaced by others from DAP who are more committed to resolving longstanding issues.
“We’re calling for five ministers to step down - we’re not asking DAP to leave the government. If these five ministers have failed to deliver, they should make way for others who may be more effective in pushing for justice in Beng Hock’s case.
“For example, MPs like Chow Yu Hui (Raub), Tan Hong Pin (Bakri), Khoo Poay Tiong (Kota Melaka), and Ramkarpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor), who have previously raised this issue.
“Why not? Let them try. They might finally be the ones to resolve it,” Ng (above) told Malaysiakini during a Chinese-language podcast.
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Two to be charged, more to come?
The Sabah scandal first blew up in spectacular fashion in November last year, when Malaysiakini dropped a series of video clips.
The footage, courtesy of a businessperson, featured discussions of alleged bribes handed to several Sabah assemblypersons—apparently in exchange for mineral exploration licences.
What followed? Months of political theatre, plot twists, and backroom whispers worthy of a binge-worthy drama series.
And now, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki - who critics claim had been trying to keep the lid firmly on this bubbling pot - has announced that at least two individuals will finally be charged.
“I will announce in a very short time the charging of the individuals in the case,” he said, sparking a fresh wave of speculation over who might be in the firing line.
Azam also hinted at the possibility of further prosecutions against other individuals.
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Vews that matter
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