Yusoff vows to continue fight for justice after acquittal

New Straits Times

a day ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Muhammed Yusoff Rawther has vowed to continue seeking justice after being acquitted and discharged of drug trafficking and firearm possession charges.
The 32-year-old, a former political research assistant, maintained that he had been wrongfully accused and framed, describing his ordeal as a "relentless test" of faith and resilience.
"This acquittal is a victory for all Malaysians.
"I would also like to thank the prison officers for their professionalism in ensuring my safety and welfare while I was in prison," he said during a packed press conference at the court complex lobby here today.
Yusoff said his time in Sungai Buloh Prison while awaiting trial had left a deep impact on him.
"This experience meant a lot to me, especially as someone who has never committed any crime. I am thankful to Allah for this outcome."
Meanwhile, Yusoff's lawyer, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, called on the police to provide updates on his client's report claiming he had been implicated.
"He lodged the report after he was brought to court in September last year.
"I would like to ask the Inspector-General of Police about the status of the investigation... have they recorded any statement?" he asked.
Earlier, High Court judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin freed Yusoff from drug trafficking and possession of imitation firearms charges after ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.
In his judgment, Jamil said the police's failure to investigate Yusoff's conspiracy claim had prejudiced his right to a fair trial, as it denied him the opportunity to have his defence properly considered and verified.
"In a statement made two days after his arrest, the accused claimed that he was a victim who had been framed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"The police had ample time to verify the truth of the facts presented in the accused's version.
"However, both investigation officers failed to conduct any investigation to verify the accused's version of events.
"This failure has prejudiced the accused's right to a fair trial," the court ruled.
The judge also said the evidence produced in court failed to support a reasonable conclusion that the accused had exclusive control over the vehicle or custody and control of the pistols and drugs.
He said the evidence only raised suspicion and was insufficient to prove the accused's possession or control of the items.
Yusoff had been accused of trafficking 305g of cannabis in a vehicle parked in front of a surau at the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters at 10.15am on Sept 6 last year.
He also faced a separate charge of possessing two imitation pistols by the roadside near a condominium on Jalan Bukit Kiara at 9.25am on the same day.