IPOH (Aug 23): A Perak Executive Council chairman was charged in the Sessions Court here today with raping a 23-year-old woman.

Housing, Local Government, Public Transport, Non-Muslim Affairs and New Villages exco Paul Yong Choo Kiong, 49, claimed trial to committing the offence in a room on the upper floor of his house in Meru Desa Park on July 7 between 8.15pm and 9.15pm.

The charge under Section 376 of the Penal Code carries up to 30 years imprisonment and whipping on conviction.

Yong, who is also Tronoh assemblyman, arrived at the courthouse at 8.57am in a BMW car. Police had reinforced security in the vicinity to prevent any untoward incident.

A group of Yong's supporters had gathered at the courthouse entrance since 8.30am. About 20 media practitioners were also around.

Yong's lawyers comprise Farhan Sapian, Malim Nawar assemblyman Leong Cheok Keng, Bukit Gelugor MP Ram Karpal Singh and Jelutong MP RSN Rayer.

The prosecution was represented by deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Azhar Mokhtar, Ainul Wardah Shahidan and Naidatul Athirah Azman.

See also: Perak DAP exco to be charged for rape tomorrow — sources