Daphne’s ex-husband tells court he saw Darren Choy kiss her on the cheek

KUALA LUMPUR: The ex-husband of model and TV host Daphne Eleanor Iking told the Magistrates Court here Monday that he saw Adidas managing director Darren Choy Khin Ming kissing Iking, who was then his wife, on the cheek, at the Arrival Hall of the KL International Airport (KLIA) in 2008.

Ryan Chong Yiing Yih, 32, said on the day in question (July 5, 2008) his ex-wife had arrived at the airport from London, with Choy.

"I was shocked to see Darren Choy arriving with Daphne because I was not told about the man (Darren).

"I was also shocked to see Darren Choy's right hand on her shoulder and kissing her on the left cheek, very close to the ear," said Chong, who is the first prosecution witness in the case, in the proceedings before Magistrate Engku Ahmad Rashdi Engku Abdillah.

Chong said he did not confront Choy and Iking immediately, but instead waited for over three hours before finally seeking an explanation from them.

However, they denied having an affair, he said.

Chong filed a case against Choy, 45, for seducing Iking, 31, with the intention of having sexual intercourse with her at Plaza Condominium, Jalan Wan Kadir, Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur, between July 2007 and September 2008.

Iking and Chong married on Jan 27, 2007 in Bali, Indonesia and have a daughter, Isobel Daniella Iking-Chong. They divorced in 2009.

Choy was represented by lawyer Jagjit Singh and Datuk Abdul Akberdin Kader.

Choy faces a maximum jail term of two years, or fine, or both, if convicted. The case is being heard under Section 498 of the Penal Code (Enticing or taking away or detaining with a criminal intent a married woman).

When asked by his counsel, Wong Kian Kheong, why he filed the case, Chong said: "I do not want to see him use his position as Adidas managing director to seduce Daphne and ruin my entire life."

Chong also told the court that he had found many e-mail correspondence between Choy and Iking on her computer while she was sleeping on Aug 10, 2008.

He said he did not ask Iking about them but just stayed up in the living room until the next morning.

The hearing continues on Dec 17 and 20. - Bernama