KUALA LUMPUR (June 12): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s former aide Muhammed Yusoff Rawther said he will keep fighting injustice, following his acquittal from the charges of drug trafficking and possession of fake guns. 

“I will continue to fight. I was wrongly prosecuted,” he said briefly to the press, following the High Court’s decision on Thursday.

The 32-year-old was acquitted at the end of the prosecution’s case, as the court found that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against him. 

Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin said the prosecution failed to prove that Yusoff had custody and control over the illegal substance and fake arms, even as they were found in Yusoff’s car.

“I would like to thank God for looking after me all this time. I would also like to thank Malaysians who prayed for me and voiced their support.

“I would also like to thank my family and lawyers for their support. The victory (acquittal) today is a victory for all Malaysians,” he said.

Yusoff was in jail for about nine months following his arrest in relation to the possession, as his previous application for bail was denied by the courts. 

He appeared to be slightly taken aback when greeted by the 100-odd people gathered at the court’s premise to show their support.

As soon as he walked out to the court lobby, shouts of “Allahu Akbar” (God is great), “Hidup, hidup Yusoff Rawther” (Long live Yusoff Rawther) rang throughout the lobby.

When asked by the media how his experience in prison was, Yusoff merely said “prison is prison”.

He also thanked the professionalism of the prison officers “who looked after his safety and wellbeing”.

Yusoff was on trial for charges of trafficking 300.1 grammes of cannabis and the 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 charge of fake pistol possession, he faced 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.

Separately, Yusoff has an ongoing sexual assault suit against Anwar over a 2018 incident. The matter has been paused temporarily, due to proceedings in relation to Anwar’s referral application to the apex court.

The 77-year-old Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chief wants the country’s top court to determine eight constitutional questions, which include whether a sitting prime minister has qualified immunity from civil lawsuits during his tenure.

Read also:
Yusoff Rawther acquitted as High Court dismisses drug, fake gun possession charges 
Yusoff Rawther trial: Prosecution closes case, decision June 12
Yusoff Rawther should have parked car inside condo if having issues with locks, says IO, but cross-examination answers seem to favour the defence