Yusoff's lawyer: Why Anwar, Farhash not called for questioning?

 

Authorities had seemingly hit pause on their investigations into Yusoff Rawther’s claims of being framed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and businessperson Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, as the duo was never called for questioning.

Yusoff’s lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali told reporters today that the authorities confirmed the matter in a letter dated Jan 28 that he received yesterday.

Yusoff, who was arrested in 2024, subsequently charged with drug trafficking and possession of fake guns, and eventually acquitted last year, had maintained that the two framed him throughout.

“We received the letter (from the police) confirming that they are still waiting for further instructions from the prosecutor (on whether to call Anwar and Farhash for questioning).

“It has been 18 months since Yusoff named these individuals (in his report) and the police have yet to record their statements.

“Who would answer for this? Who would return Yusoff’s nine months and 10 days (spent imprisoned under remand)?

“This is the biggest problem this country faces. We have a prime minister who showed his anger towards civil servants (for allegedly slacking off) and gave them seven days.

“It has been 18 months. Eighteen months and the person who should be investigating (Anwar) has yet to (do their job),” Rafique said, referring to Anwar’s recent “stern warning” to civil servants “not to slack off in work”.

Rafique further added that it would be fine if his queries on the authorities’ investigation went unanswered.

Yusoff Rawther

However, he said, such queries were raised by the Kuala Lumpur High Court judge who acquitted Yusoff.

Judge Jamil Hussin had ruled that the absence of a police investigation into the claims had raised great doubt against the prosecution’s case.

Yusoff’s acquittal

The 32-year-old former aide of Anwar was arrested on Sept 6, 2024, and subsequently charged on Sept 12, with allegedly trafficking 305g of cannabis whilst in a vehicle outside the surau at Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters at 10.15am on Sept 6, 2024.

He was charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years and a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.

He was also charged with possessing two imitation firearms near a condominium on Jalan Bukit Kiara at 9.25am on Sept 6, 2024.

The charge under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960 provides for a maximum penalty of one year’s imprisonment or a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or both.

Jamil found the prosecution had failed to establish a case against Yusoff, and acquitted him on June 12 last year.

In his verdict, Jamil said the investigating officers failed to examine Yusoff’s allegation given to the recording officer during his detention that he was a victim of entrapment.

“The police officers had ample time to verify his statement, but did not do so,” Jamil said, adding that this had prejudiced the accused.

The prosecution has since appealed his acquittal, which Rafique confirmed would be heard on June 15.

A day after Yusoff’s acquittal, then-inspector-general of police Razarudin Husain said there was no need to take Anwar's statement as the police had already done so during the initial stages of the investigation. - Mkini