Cops detain Sabah politician over sexual harassment claims

KOTA KINABALU – Troubled politician Phillip Among was picked up by police at 1.11pm here, believed to be over sexual harassment allegations that have surfaced recently.

He was arrested at his office near the Hilton Kota Kinabalu hotel and taken into a Land Cruiser which sped off to another location.

Minutes before he was taken away, he alleged to reporters that the criminal allegations against him were part of a “political conspiracy” to destroy him. 

Earlier, police had arrived midway through a press conference held by Among and his lawyer Marcel Jude at the office premises. Upon seeing this they advised him to proceed while they went outside and waited.

There was only a group of journalists with Among and his lawyer in the room at the time. 

Four individuals, three men, and a woman were seen entering Among’s office afterwards as the press left his office. 

When journalists hung around outside and later asked some officers who were exiting what was happening, one of them said: “We are just following orders.” 

It could not be ascertained what was discussed but about half an hour later, Among was spotted coming out of the office with the three officers and immediately escorted to the vehicle waiting outside. 

Confirming the arrest, Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said that it was a normal procedure that police had to follow. 

Yesterday, The Vibes had reported that a police report had been lodged against Among by one of the contestants of the recently held Unduk Ngadau pageant.

The report was filed at the Karamunsing police station on May 25.

Among was one of the committee members of the pageant.

In the report, the victim said she got into the politician’s vehicle and he had sexually harassed her while on their way to a restaurant.

The victim alleged that, despite rejecting the suspect’s advances, he continued to molest her after taking her to his office after dinner.

At the press conference prior to his arrest, Among claimed that there are individuals envious of his political career and are trying to stop him by using the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Harvest Festival to target him. 

Among, who had stood as a Sabah Star candidate for the Kapayan state seat in the 13th general election in 2013, said that he faced many challenges during the organising of the festival.

“Looking at how I was put in the situation, I believe that I have an enemy from the outside and I have been attacked from many sides. 

“All the sequence of events (are) like it was arranged. I believe I have done so much good for the community...There are those who will support you, but also people who don’t like you,” he said.

Another police report against Among involved a People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) officer claiming Among did not follow health standard operating procedures during the current movement control order.

In a statement earlier today, Among, who has been suspended as Sabah Star Putatan parliamentary coordinator, said he has initiated legal action against an Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant contestant and a Rela personnel.

Earlier, Jude, who was at the press conference, described the situation as an abuse of process that reeked of defamation and malicious prosecution. 

He said Among’s suits were to defend himself, adding that the timing of both police reports was questionable. 

Asked whether police had contacted him, he said they had not, adding individuals claiming to be police officers had been in touch with him. 

“But I will cooperate with police if I am called in for questioning. I think they will call on me soon,” said Among. – The Vibes, June 3, 2021