KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 6): Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, a former political researcher for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will have a joint trial for his two charges of cannabis trafficking and replica pistol possession on April 7 to 11.
High Court judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin on Wednesday allowed the application by deputy public prosecutor Mohd Sabri Othman to have the joint trial.
Lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, representing Yusoff, did not object to the prosecution’s application.
The joint trial was sought because it involves the same set of witnesses for each charge.
Yusoff was charged at the Magistrate’s Court on Sept 12 last year, for allegedly trafficking 305 grammes of cannabis, and on Oct 9 last year, he was charged with possession of imitation pistols at a roadside near a condominium in Bukit Kiara, here, at 9.25am on Sept 6, 2024.
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 second charge, if the accused is found guilty under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960 for fake pistol possession, he faces a maximum imprisonment term of one year, or a maximum fine of up to RM5,000, or both.
The former political aide had claimed that the charges are politically motivated, as he is suing Anwar for alleged sexual assault, and that trial is scheduled to start in June.
Yusoff has also applied to be granted bail for the drug-trafficking charge.
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