Charge against Yong puts Perak gov't in precarious position

The rape charge expected to be levelled against Perak exco Paul Yong could put the Pakatan Harapan state government in a precarious position.

Harapan governs Perak with the support of 31 assemblypersons, including one independent. Umno and PAS combined have 28 seats.

Due to the nature of the crime, a charge against Yong could lead to his party, DAP, sacking him.

If he is not sacked, the charges or any disciplinary action related to it could disenfranchise the Perak DAP treasurer, prompting him to quit and become an independent.

If either of these scenarios plays out, and an independent Yong decides not to support the Harapan state government, this would mean Perak being held onto by a one-seat majority.

Then, its fate would rest on Tualang Sekah assemblyperson Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi, a Harapan-friendly independent.

If her allegiance changes, the Harapan state government would crumble without Yong.

In the May 9 general election last year, Harapan won 29 seats, while BN won 27 and PAS three. This led to a hung assembly, as Umno and PAS were not yet allies at the time.

Harapan was finally able to form the Perak government after Nolee and Sungai Manik assemblyperson Zainol Fadzi Paharudin, both Umno members at the time, decided to support the coalition.

Zainol has since joined Bersatu, while Nolee remains an independent.

Bukit Aman CID director Huzir Mohamed earlier confirmed that Yong would be chargedat the Ipoh High Court tomorrow over allegations that he raped his domestic helper.

The victim filed a report on July 8, accusing the Tronoh assemblyperson of the crime. Yong has denied the allegation, and is currently out on police bail.

Yong has continued to clock in as the exco for housing, local government, public transport, non-Muslims affairs and new villages.

However, Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu said his decision-making role has been limited pending completion of police investigations.

On Monday, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh urged the Attorney-General's Chambers to make a decision on the case.

This is as the matter has dragged on for over a month, with investigation papers going back and forth between the police and the chambers.  - Mkini