Paul Yong has agreed to take leave from his duties as Perak exco pending the rape charge against him.

The DAP assemblyperson said in a statement today that the break would allow him time to focus on his impending trial.

Nonetheless, he maintained the accusations against him are part of a conspiracy.

"I strenuously deny the baseless and unfounded allegations made against me. I maintain that this is an ugly political conspiracy against me, and the severity of these allegations has caused massive distress to me, my family and colleagues.

"After considering the position carefully, I have decided to take leave from my official duties as the state exco of Perak. 

"This is to enable me to focus on the trial ahead so that I can clear my name and establish my innocence," he said.

Yong is the exco in charge of housing, local government, public transport, non-Muslims affairs and new villages.

He will continue to serve as the assemblyperson for Tronoh, however.

"I will communicate this decision of mine to the menteri besar today," he said.

'Earliest possible trial dates'

In his statement, Yong noted that his lawyers have been instructed to set the earliest possible trial dates so that he can be "vindicated as soon as possible."

On Friday, he pleaded not guilty at the Ipoh Sessions Court to raping a domestic worker under his employment at his home on July 7.

Yong initially refused to go on leave despite calls for him to do so, even by Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu, saying that had been given the mandate by the people to serve them.

Faizal said he would meet with the accused over the refusal. 

However, it was not stated if Yong’s decision today was a result of this.