LAWYER RAYER PULLS OUT OF MYKAD CASE
Jelutong MP: I don’t want people to hurl accusations at DAP, Pakatan
JELUTONG member of parliament R.S.N. Rayer has withdrawn from representing one of the accused charged with selling fake birth certificates and MyKad to foreigners.
He made the request at the Sessions Court yesterday before judge Norsalha Hamzah.
Rayer said due to his position as a member of parliament, many quarters, including politicians, had questioned his decision to represent the accused.
He said his previous decision to represent businessman Datuk Lai Chin Wah, 56, did not cause any conflict of interest as the country practised separation of powers, hence, there were no laws that prevented him from becoming Lai’s counsel.
“Lai is one of the accused, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“I would like to stress that despite not fearing for myself due to personal threats I received, I do not want my action to represent the accused to be used by irresponsible parties to make baseless accusations against DAP, Pakatan Harapan or leaders from DAP and Pakatan Harapan.
“After thinking about it, I have decided to withdraw from representing Lai in all cases from today (yesterday).
“I will make similar applications at the other courts as well.”
Deputy public prosecutor Yusaini Amer Abdul Karim did not object to Rayer’s request. Norsalha allowed the withdrawal.
Lawyer R. Sivahnanthan appeared at the court to represent Lai from yesterday onwards.
Lai was charged with three counts under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007 and two more under the Penal Code.
He was charged in connection with the issuance and sale of MyKad to foreigners, together with five others.
Police had arrested 20 people, aged between 32 and 70, on Aug 19, including the state National Registration Department assistant director Mohd Faizul Arifin, 34, in an operation.
Others nabbed were 17 locals, two Chinese nationals and an Indian citizen.
Federal Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Huzir Mohamed had said investigations revealed that the syndicate’s agents would look for foreigners seeking citizenship, and believed they were paid between RM100,000 and RM600,000.
They were remanded for 28 days for investigations under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Latheefa Koya had said the commission would investigate once it received information on the matter.