Yong, who submitted the legal papers at the Ipoh High Court registry this afternoon together with his affidavit in support of the application, said he did this because the trial would involve complex legal issues.

He said the trial should be heard by a High Court judge in the interest of justice.

His lawyer Salim Bashir said the application was made under Section 417 (b) and (e) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Meanwhile Sessions Court judge Norashima Khalid has fixed case management for Dec 5 pending a decision by the High Court.

Earlier today, the prosecution and the defence submitted before Norashima on the former’s application that two witnesses, including the victim, be given protected witness status.

Deputy public prosecutor Azar Mokhtar said the application was made under the Witness Protection Act (WPA) to enable the two to testify in camera.

He said the application for the second witness was also to withhold the identity for safety reasons.

Salim said the prosecution’s application would set a bad precedent as the WPA was only used for cases where the accused was charged with offences against the state such as terrorism and organised criminal activities.

Rajpal Singh, who is appearing with Salim, said the prosecution was abusing the WPA to now include sexual offences such as rape.

He submitted only the director-general of the witness protection programme at the home ministry could decide on the matter.

Yong has claimed trial to raping a 23-year-old maid at his home in Meru Desa Park between 8.15pm and 9.15pm on July 7 (this year).