Ngeh defends RM100,000 claim in rape case, says obligated to report it

Perak DAP adviser Ngeh Koo Ham (photo) is defending his claim that a man was paid RM100,000 to get an Indonesian domestic worker to lodge a rape allegation against state exco Paul Yong.

He had lodged a police report on the matter on Thursday, a day before Yong was charged in court.

Ngeh, who is also Perak State Assembly speak, said he was obligated the report the matter as a crime may have taken place.

"I have an obligation to make the police report.

"As I received information on the matter, I have a reason to believe that an offence has been committed," he was quoted as saying by The Star Online.

He was responding to Opposition Leader Ismail Sabri Yaakob who accused Ngeh of trying to "subvert justice".

Yesterday, Yong pleaded not guilty to the charge.

"Is his duty to protect the victim or the prey? Ngeh's actions can be seen as trying to subvert the legal process," Ismail had said.

However, Ngeh said Ismail, as a trained lawyer, should know better.

"The information was also given in the presence of several other elected representatives, and I have reason to believe that the information is reliable.

"We have a duty to protect all victims, including rape and false allegations," he was quoted as saying.