Perak exco member Paul Yong has denied the allegation that he raped his former Indonesian domestic worker.

Breaking his silence on the matter, the Tronoh assemblyperson said he is “shocked and baffled” by the accusation.

“I hereby unequivocally and categorically deny the allegation. I reiterate that I have never raped or sexually assaulted her," he added in a statement this afternoon.

Yong, who has been released on police bail following his arrest yesterday, said he provided full cooperation to the police and brought witnesses to assist the investigations.

Earlier, Perak police chief Razarudin Husain said statements were recorded from the 23-year-old complainant, Yong and others, including the exco's family members.

He added that both the complainant and suspect underwent medical examinations while police also conducted a forensic sweep of the exco's residence in Meru, Ipoh, where the alleged rape took place.

The police have classified the case under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape.

Following the allegation, the Perak palace postponed the annual swearing-in ceremony for state exco members scheduled for tomorrow.

It is understood that the exco meeting scheduled for this morning has also been postponed.

Yong's portfolio includes public transport, non-Muslim affairs, new villages, housing and local government.

The 49-year-old first-term exco member is also the Perak DAP treasurer.

Meanwhile, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) director Melissa Sasidaran said it is “not out of the ordinary” for a rape suspect to be granted police bail and this depended on the circumstances, including the cooperation of the suspect.

“Meanwhile, the suspect cannot in any way interfere with the complainant, witnesses or tamper with evidence. If there is any such allegations, then it is possible for him to be rearrested,” she told Malaysiakini.

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