Protect Yusoff like how we did Anwar in the past, PSM urges

Protect Yusoff like how we did Anwar in the past, PSM urges


Published: Jun 12, 2025 6:15 PM
Updated: Jun 13, 2025 10:50 AM



Summary

• PSM has called for protection for Yusoff Rawther after his acquittal on drug trafficking and imitation weapon charges, which the party described as “trumped-up charges” against someone challenging the establishment.

• PSM’s deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan draws parallels to how the party previously protested for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s safety when he was in the opposition, and imprisoned for opposing previous prime ministers.

PSM has called for protection for Yusoff Rawther, following his acquittal on charges seen as politically motivated, drawing parallels to how then-opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was treated when he challenged previous prime ministers.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court had earlier acquitted Yusoff, a former research assistant to Prime Minister Anwar, of drug trafficking and possession of two imitation pistols charges.

Judge Jamil Hussin ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case on both charges.

“There are days when we are completely proud of our judiciary, and today is one such day. PSM applauds the judgment of Jamil, who ruled today that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case on both charges.

“His decision is unsurprising - most people could already smell that these were trumped-up charges against a young boy daring to challenge the establishment.

“When Anwar was in jail, we protested outside the prison and the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital over allegations of arsenic poisoning, because he went against the sitting prime minister. Today, Yusoff is in a similar situation,” PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan said in a statement.

“Ironically, PSM now hopes the state itself will ensure Yusoff’s safety, even as he stands against the prime minister,” he added.


Truly free and safe?

Arutchelvan also questioned whether Yusoff was truly free and safe.

“With Yusoff now freed by the court, I wonder: Is he truly free and safe? I was informed that he was kept in a death row cell in Sungai Buloh. Imagine the psychological toll. Is the nightmare really over?” he asked.

Arutchelvan said that Yusoff’s case is another reason why a separation of powers and a proper witness protection programme are needed.

“The judiciary and judges must be independently appointed, free from executive interference,” he said.

Malay Secretariat chief secretary Marzuki Yahya urged the police to investigate who is responsible for allegedly victimising Yusoff.

“We need an investigation into the police team that raided and opened an investigation on him to find the person responsible.

“It’s absurd that an innocent man got accused of a serious crime and had to be held under detention for a long time,” he said in a statement today.


‘All options on the table’

Several hours after the court freed his client, Yusoff’s lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali told Malaysiakini that they are open to taking legal action against the police and the Home Ministry.

“All options are on the table,” Rafique said in a short reply.

Former aide Yusoff Rawther


He said this in response to calls from PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari and other opposition leaders for Yusoff to take legal action against the police and the Home Ministry.

Fadhli, in a statement on Facebook today, said the legal action is to reveal who allegedly gave the order to plant cannabis and fake firearms on the former researcher.

Bersatu supreme council member Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal shared Fadhli’s post, indicating his support. He added his certainty that an evil political conspiracy was afoot.

In a separate statement, Bersatu vice-president Radzi Jidin joined the chorus of concern over Yusoff’s case, warning against the abuse of power.

“Do not oppress and wrong others even if you have power. Indeed, there is no barrier between the prayer of the oppressed and Allah.

“Power is a test of the world. When the time comes, even the powerful will fall to the ground,” the Putrajaya MP remarked on Facebook.

Similarly, Bersatu supreme council member Saifuddin Abdullah welcomed the court’s decision and framed the outcome as a victory for fundamental freedoms.

The Indera Mahkota MP went on to condemn political persecution, especially over political differences, saying that such actions must be firmly rejected.

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kt comments:

Omigosh, didn't realise that Anwar was once nearly (or was already) poisoned by arsenic.