KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 7): Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, a former aide of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has filed a representation requesting the prosecution to drop charges of drug trafficking and fake gun possession charges.
Yusoff’s counsel Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali informed High Court Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin on Tuesday that they are seeking an early trial date, without prejudice to the representation letter sent to the Attorney General’s Chambers last week.
Deputy public prosecutor Noor Dayana Mohamad, on behalf of the prosecution, acknowledged receipt of the representation letter. However, she requested a date to be fixed for case management instead of trial, citing that her senior Mohd Sabri Othman is engaged in another case.
Rafique, however, insisted that the trial dates be set, as this was agreed upon at the previous session and that he had freed up February, March and April for the matter while all documents are ready.
Noor Dayana told the court that there will be eight to ten prosecution witnesses and sought a five-day trial period.
The judge then fixed April 7 to April 11 as trial dates and instructed Noor Dayana to notify the court in advance if the dates are not suitable for Sabri.
Yusoff, the former research assistant of Anwar, had claimed trial to both charges.
He is accused of allegedly trafficking 305g of cannabis and was charged with possession of imitation pistols at a roadside near a condominium in Bukit Kiara, here, at 9.25am on Sept 6, last year.
The drug charge under Section 39B (1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 is punishable under Section 39B(2) of the same Act, which carries a life sentence and also whipping of not less than 12 lashes, if convicted.
For the charge of fake pistol possession, he faces a maximum imprisonment term of a year or a maximum fine of up to RM5,000, or both, if found guilty under Section 36 (1) of the Arms Act 1960.
Yusoff, who had filed a civil suit against Anwar for purported sexual assault, had claimed that the two charges against him are politically motivated. The trial between Yusoff and Anwar has been scheduled for the middle of this year.