KOTA KINABALU: A politician from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) has filed a suit against an Unduk Ngadau contestant and three others to restrain them from making any statements against him over allegations that he had molested the woman.
The writ of summons was filed by the 52-year-old businessman's counsel, Marcel Jude Joseph via e-filing today.
Marcel said the case has been fixed for e-review on July 5.
The politician, who is also a businessman, named three people - the 21-year-old Unduk Ngadau contestant, a 65-year-old man, as well as the owner and publisher of two websites - as the first, second, third and fourth defendants, respectively.
The politician is claiming damages for defamation as well as applying for an injunction to restrain all the defendants from allegedly making malicious statements against him, whether orally or in writing or on social media.
He is also seeking costs and any other relief deemed fit by the court.
In his statement of claim, the politician stated that on May 19, the woman had met him at his office to ask for a job in his company.
He claimed that despite she being unqualified, he chose to engage her on condition she meets the company's terms and conditions and takes steps to improve her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia results.
He claimed he took the woman to one of his offices to be tested on job suitability. He also alleged that he had taken the woman to a nearby hotel, accompanied by one of his female staff, to ensure her safety and attend to her personal needs.
He also claimed that at no time did he molest or harass her, nor did he offer any help in exchange for sexual favours or services, sexual acts or other acts of indecency.
He said he was surprised when 48 hours later, the woman lodged a police report against him at the Karamunsing police station.
He said that in the police report, the woman attempted to defame and damage his reputation by claiming that he had sexually harassed and molested her physically and inappropriately touched and groped her against her will and without her consent.
The politician also claimed that on June 2, he came across an article on social media a website, run by the third defendant, accusing him of sexual misconduct.
He said that on May 29, he had gone to the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in his capacity as the main organiser and coordinator of the 2021 Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant and to undertake the arrangements for the event.
He claimed that upon arrival, the second defendant prevented him and his staff from entering the venue. This, he said, led to an altercation and argument with the second defendant.
He also claimed that on the same day, another website, the fourth defendant in the case, published and posted an article and photographs on the matter.
The politician, after filing the writ of summons, held a press conference today to explain the matter.
However, midway policemen from the Kota Kinabalu police's Criminal Investigation Department turned up.
Policemen allowed the press conference to conclude before taking the politician away for questioning over the case.