Judge Abdul Wahab Mohamed made the decision today after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence, said a Sinar Harian report.

Earlier, the court ordered both parties to submit their written submissions by April 25 and replies by May 9. This was after the court heard from three witnesses, including Yong, 51, his wife Chor Pei Sun, 47, and the victim’s uncle, Muhammad Rusdi, 51.

Yong, a former state executive councillor, was told to enter his defence after the court found the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him.

He was charged with raping the woman in a room at his house in Meru Desa Park here between 8.15pm and 9.15pm on July 9, 2019. He pleaded not guilty to the charge on Aug 23 of the same year.

He was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum 20-year jail term and whipping upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Azlina Rasdi prosecuted, while Rajpal Singh and Salim Bashir represented Yong.