KOTA KINABALU – The Sabah STAR member embroiled in sexual harassment allegations has been stripped of party posts.
Its president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said the party will not give special treatment to wrongdoers or those who tarnish the good name of the party.
“The party that fights for justice and equality will not shield any members involved in any wrongdoing or one who tarnishes the good name of the party.
“This includes the recent incident with one of our members who was accused of outraging the modesty of a woman.
“To show our seriousness on the issue, this individual has been suspended from all posts within the party.
“The party’s disciplinary board will meet as soon as possible to assess his membership status,” he said in a statement today.
Kitingan expressed regret that the incident has caused distress among Sabah Star members and exposed the party to heavy assault from political opponents.
“The actions of this individual are purely his own and have nothing to do with the party, and any attempt to drag the party into this circus is irresponsible and must be denounced.
“I urge all members to stand behind the party’s leadership rather than individuals hiding behind the party’s name,” he said.
He also backed the call made by the Unduk Ngadau Committee chairman Joanna Kitingan, who urged all victims to come forward and assist in the police investigation.
Philip Among was accused of sexually harassing one of the Unduk Ngadau state finalists and violating the movement control order’s standard operating procedures during the Kaamatan Harvest Festival singing contest Sugandoi.
He was remanded by police Friday and is being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code for using criminal force to outrage the modesty of a person. – The Vibes, June 6, 2021
