The Perak government has not given any time frame for State Housing, Local Government, Public Transport, Non-Islamic Affairs and New Villages executive council chairperson Paul Yong Choo Kiong’s leave from his official duties

Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu said this was for Yong to focus on the rape charge he is currently facing.

Ahmad Faizal said he will take over Yong’s portfolios while he goes on leave.

“I will take over his portfolio duties and they will be managed as usual. There will be no changes,” he said after the “Love My Palm Oil” campaign with civil servants which was also attended by Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok.

Last Friday, Yong, who is Tronoh state assemblyperson, pleaded not guilty to raping his 23-year-old Indonesian maid. Two days later, Yong announced that he will be going on leave from his official duties to focus on his trial.

In another matter, Ahmad Faizal said he will hold discussions with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as a follow up to MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya’s proposal yesterday for all menteri besar and chief minister offices to form their own integrity units for better transparency.

- Bernama