KOTA KINABALU: A politician from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) has been arrested over suspicions of molesting an Unduk Ngadau contestant.
The man was arrested shortly after holding his own press conference at his office in Asia City this afternoon.
It is learnt that the press conference was organised to announce upcoming legal action against two people and a blog site.
The issue is believed to be related to a video showing him having a misunderstanding with security guards and People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) members at Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang near here last month.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the suspect has been arrested and taken to the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters for further action.
The case will be investigated under Section for assault or the use of criminal force on a person with intent to outrage modesty.
"If convicted, the offender can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison or a fine or whipping, or any two of those punishments," he said.
Meanwhile, Hazani said the Unduk Ngadau contestant, in her 20s, was called in today to assist with further investigations into the case.
Yesterday, he said police would conduct a thorough investigation into the report lodged by the contestant, who claimed she was molested by one of the organising committee members of the competition.
He said the results of the investigation would be submitted to the Attorney -General's Chambers for further action.
"Based on a copy of the police report dated May 21, which has since spread on social media, the Unduk Ngadau participant claimed to have been touched on her thighs, hands, neck and back in a car while following the suspect out to dinner in Kota Kinabalu," he said.