PUTRAJAYA - Former research assistant to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther was arrested last Friday after police discovered two pistols and drugs in his vehicle.
His lawyer, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali confirmed the arrest on Wednesday.
According to Rafique, Yusoff informed authorities that the items, including 305 grammes of suspected marijuana, were not his and that he had no connection to them.
"A urine test also came back negative," he said on Wednesday.
Rafique added that his client had also stated in a recorded statement that the pistols and drugs were placed in his car as a trap by individuals he claimed held a grudge or hatred against him.
"The individuals Yusoff referred to have already been named, along with their connections to political leaders in the country.
"Yusoff and his lawyer have also requested the police to allow him to file a police report regarding this matter. A related letter has already been sent," said Rafique.
Rafique clarified that this is necessary to ensure that Yusoff's defence is presented promptly and not labelled as an "afterthought" or fabricated.
"Yusoff, who is currently in remand since last Friday, has also expressed concerns, especially as his civil cases involving influential individuals are still ongoing.
"These cases carry their sensitivities. Yusoff's family stands firmly in support of him and hopes that the police will act professionally in carrying out their duties," he said.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court previously set a full trial date for Yusoff's lawsuit against Anwar regarding allegations of sexual assault, scheduled to begin on June 16 next year.
On July 14, 2021, Yusoff filed a lawsuit claiming he was sexually assaulted by the PKR president in Oct 2018, a few days before Anwar won the Port Dickson by-election.
He further claimed that he suffered serious physical, psychological, and social trauma as a result of the incident and is seeking special, general, aggravated, and exemplary damages, along with interest, costs, and other relief.