[UPDATED] Terence Naidu to prove innocence, says he was set up

GEORGE TOWN – DAP’s Pasir Bedamar assemblyman Terence Naidu believes that his drink was spiked, and he was set up, leading him to lodge a police report to counter allegations that he tested positive for drugs after being arrested in a Thursday raid at a family karaoke centre in Prai, Penang.

The two-term Perak assemblyman said he intends to defend himself against the claims while continuing to serve his constituents.

“Justice must be done,” the 54-year-old said in a statement.

“I can understand the disappointment that those around me may stem from this latest incident, in which I was reported to have been arrested for testing positive for drugs.”

In his caution statement to police, he gave a breakdown of his activities that led to his arrest.

He said he was invited to meet friends, who are also clients, for a Chinese New Year dinner in Penang.

“Upon reaching Prai, I was taken to the location of my arrest. I was hesitant to enter the premises at first but eventually did so.

“I did not take any illegal substance. I was shocked when I was told my urine tested positive as I don’t even smoke.

“I was poured an unusual drink that I didn’t consume after tasting it. I subsequently found out the following day that while I was in the restroom, someone had come to my table and topped up my drinking glass.”

He stated in his police report that he was “exposed to suspicious elements and named an eyewitness to this act”.

“The eyewitness has given a police statement confirming this incident. I have asked police to investigate the above, and the public to assess my above statement given to police and come to their own conclusion.

“I intend to defend myself, nevertheless, to prove my innocence,” said Naidu, adding that he is willing to be suspended from DAP pending the case outcome.

He added that he will comply with Perak DAP’s call for him to provide an explanation.

“To my supporters who know me in and out, especially the people of Pasir Bedamar, I apologise wholeheartedly for putting myself in the position of being compromised.”

Meanwhile, police will be completing the investigation paper on his case and the preliminary report will be submitted to the state prosecution office next week.

Penang Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department chief Asst Comm Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah said investigations are underway and waiting for a lab report that usually takes between one to three months.

“However, if it is a case of public interest, the time period may be shorter. In any case, we are waiting for the report first,” he told The Vibes.

Naidu and 35 other suspects, who were detained together, were being investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 – after a raid by a police team from the Bukit Aman Integrity and Standards Compliance Department.

Also detained were two police officers, who were allegedly also found to have tested positive for substance abuse.

A total of 48 individuals were arrested, with 36 of them related to narcotic cases, while 12 others were related to criminal cases. – The Vibes, January 15, 2022