Muhammed Yusoff, former aide of Malaysian PM Anwar, acquitted of drug trafficking

KUALA LUMPUR – Former research assistant Muhammed Yusoff Rawther walked out a free man after the High Court here acquitted him of two charges of drug trafficking and possession of imitation firearms.

Justice Muhammad Jamil Hussin ruled that the prosecution has failed to prove a prima facie case against the 32-year-old.

The judge said the prosecution had failed to prove that the accused had control, custody and possession of two imitation pistols and 305g of cannabis.

He noted that a car, in which the items were found, belonged to Mr Yusoff, and the car keys and remote control were in his possession.

“It is undeniable that he was near the car and opened the door when the police conducted their operation. But that does not mean we can conclude that the accused has exclusive control of the car, nor does he have custody and control over the pistols and the drugs,” he said in his decision at the end of the prosecution’s case on June 12.

Justice Jamil also said the accused’s behaviour du­ring the operation was consistent with that of a person with no knowledge of the items found in the car.

After he was arrested, Mr Yusoff told the police that he was “a victim who was framed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim”, the judge said.

“However, the police did not carry out any investigation to verify this claim. The failure to investigate has denied the accused the right to a fair trial.

“Therefore, it is not safe for the court to call the accused to enter his defence,” the judge added.

“I hereby make the order to discharge and acquit the accused without calling for his defence.”

On Sept 12, 2024, Mr Yusoff was charged with trafficking 305g of cannabis.

The drug was found in his vehicle near a surau at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters at 10.15am on Sept 6, 2024.

He was charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries a sentence of life imprisonment and at least 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.

He was also charged with possessing two imitation firearms by the roadside near a condominium in Jalan Bukit Kiara at 9.25am on the same day.

The charge was framed under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act, which provides for a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a fine of up to RM5,000 (S$1,512), or both, upon conviction.

Mr Yusoff, who wore a striped long-sleeve shirt, was greeted by a large group of people outside the court complex after his release.

He told reporters that he was grateful for the court’s decision and thanked his family, lawyers and others who supported him.

Throughout the trial, Mr Yusoff was detained at the Sungai Buloh prison as the offence he was accused of did not allow for bail. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK