'This is due to someone in power', says Yusoff as lawyer raises safety concerns

The lawyer for Muhammed Yusoff Rawther has called on police to investigate two reports filed by his client in which he denies any knowledge of the drugs and guns found in his car.

Rafique Rashid said his client has maintained his innocence and believes the items were planted by someone to silence him.

"Interestingly, Yusoff said: 'I am innocent, this is due to someone in power'," Rafique told reporters after the charge sheet was read out at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court today.

The 31-year-old Yusoff is charged under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, a non-bailable offence punishable by life sentence if convicted. No plea has been recorded until the case is brought before the High Court.

He was arrested on Sept 6 after police said they found two pistols and 305g of cannabis in his car.

Rafique said police must investigate Yusoff's claims that he had been framed.

"We have reached a point where guns and drugs can be planted. The police must investigate this in all transparency. We believe that Yusoff Rawther has been victimised," he said.

He said two police reports - filed on Sept 8 and today respectively - contained the names of several people who should be the subject of investigations.

"I appeal to the police to conduct a transparent, fearless and open investigation and keep the public informed," he added.

Security concerns

Rafique said an application would be made to the High Court for Yusoff to be released on bail despite the charge being a non-bailable offence.

He said apart from health issues such as his client's gluten-free diet, there were also security concerns for Yusoff.

"It's not just about his diet. It has more to do with his safety," Rafique said, adding that Yusoff would be taken to Sungai Buloh prison.

He said he believed there are good grounds for the court to grant bail.

"Yusoff is a Malaysian citizen, has no criminal record and is someone whose safety should be protected.

"We are applying for bail because of the special circumstances surrounding Yusoff."

Rafique also hoped that politicians would be more vocal on matters concerning justice for Malaysians.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court has set June 16 next year as the trial date for Yusoff's sexual assault case against Anwar.

On July 14,2021, Yusoff, who worked as Anwar's research assistant at the politician's bungalow office in Petaling Jaya in 2018, filed the suit alleging that the PKR leader sexually assaulted him in October that year, days before he won the Port Dickson by-election.

Anwar in response claimed that Yusoff had lied under oath to the authorities regarding the sexual assault.

Yusoff has filed a separate suit against Anwar's former political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, claiming damages for the injuries he suffered after he was assaulted at Anwar’s bungalow office in Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya.

In October 2022, the Shah Alam Sessions Court ordered Anwar's press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Tunku Abaidah, to pay Yusoff RM200,000 in damages for statements made in connection with the assault on Farhash.