Perak exco's alleged rape victim's safety a priority, says embassy

The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur today said it would prioritise the safety and rights of an Indonesian domestic helper who was allegedly raped by Perak exco Paul Yong.

The embassy's consular in charge of legal affairs, Yusron Ambary, said all necessary measures will also be taken to assist the prosecution in the ongoing trial against Yong (photo), set for mention at the Ipoh Sessions Court on Oct 22.

This includes appointing its own team of lawyers to hold a watching brief during the proceedings.

"The victim's safety and rights is our utmost concern," Yusron told Malaysiakini when contacted today.

"We are in close cooperation with the DPPs (prosecutors) involved to handle this issue.

"But all of this related information will not be shared to public for the good of the victim," he said.

On Friday, lawyer Gabriel Susayan, on behalf of the victim's mother, claimed that they were denied access to meet the 23-year-old currently seeking refuge at the Indonesian Embassy's safehouse in Kuala Lumpur.

Gabriel had told Malaysiakini that he was approached by the victim's mother, identified as Tina, one day after she met her daughter for the first and last time on Sept 19.

On Aug 23, Yong pleaded not guilty at the Ipoh Sessions Court to a charge of raping a domestic worker under his employment.

During a case management session on Sept 24, Gabriel, who is holding a watching brief for the family, told the court that the alleged victim could be a "political pawn"

Quizzed on the political pawn claims, Yusron maintained that protecting the victim's safety and rights have been the embassy's top priority.

"So we are not going to respond to other allegations made by anyone through the press," he stressed.

The trial before judge Norashima Khalid will commence from Nov 11 to 15.

Malim Nawar assemblyperson Leong Cheok Keng represented Yong, together with Jelutong MP RSN Rayer and Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh.

The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutor Azhar Mokhtar, aided by Ainul Wardah Shahidan and Naidatul Athirah Azman.

Yong, who has taken leave from his official duties, is accused of raping the victim at his residence on July 7. - Mkini