Court allows Paul Yong's alleged rape victim to testify in private

The Indonesian domestic helper who was allegedly raped by Perak assemblyperson Paul Yong has been allowed to testify against him in closed proceedings, according to lawyers.

Lawyer Selvi Sandrasegaram, who is part of the legal team holding a watching brief on behalf of the Indonesian embassy and the alleged victim, said the 23-year-old is expected to record her testimony in camera on Nov 11.

Proceeding "in camera" means in private with the press and public excluded.

Lawyer Gabriel Susayan, who is holding a watching brief for the victim's mother, said the decision was made at the end of case management this morning.

"At this point, we expect to be allowed to be present during her testimony," Susayan told Malaysiakini when contacted.

The Indonesian Embassy had previously maintained that it would prioritise the victim's safety and rights, in response to Susayan's claims that he has been denied access to see her.

The embassy had also declined comments on Susayan's reported claims, made in court during a Sept 24 case management session, that the alleged victim could be a "political pawn" of certain parties.

Susayan told Malaysiakini today he had sought to clarify his “political pawn” claims, attributing it to speculations that must be dispelled.

"I can only discount the speculation if allowed access to meet the victim," he said, adding that his team continued to be denied direct access to her.

Online portal The Malay Mail earlier today reported that Yong’s (above) lawyers, Rajpal Singh and Leong Cheok Keng, had requested the victim to be called as the first witness.

Deputy public prosecutor Azhar Mokhtar then reportedly sought for her to testify remotely via video link by claiming she was protected under the Witness Protection Act.

According to the report, Rajpal made the offer for the victim to testify "in camera" after he objected to the prosecution's request, on grounds that the victim has already been named and was not a minor.

The prosecution team aided by Ainul Wardah Shahidan and Naidatul Athirah Azman agreed to the closed-door testimony and sought for this to be limited to the judge, prosecutors, defence, and lawyers holding a watching brief for the Indonesian embassy.

Justice Norashima Khalid who presided over the case at the Ipoh Sessions Court set Nov 11, 13, 14 and 15 for the trial.

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