Sabah politician accused of molest may face 2 more charges
Philip Among, the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) politician who faced five charges at the magistrate’s court on Wednesday for allegedly molesting two women, may face two more charges.
Two more investigation papers were opened against him under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation, as well as under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures in Infected Areas No. 2) Regulations 2021.
It is understood that this was in relation to an incident where a security guard at the Hongkod Koisaan Cultural Hall in Penampang claimed that the politician had used physical force on him during an argument.
The police report lodged in the wake of the incident also stated that Philip was denied entry to the hall as he was not wearing a face mask as per Covid-19 prevention regulations.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the investigation papers have been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action.
“The decision on whether these charges will proceed or not lies with them (the A-G’s Chambers),” he said after attending a handing over of duties ceremony for the Kota Belud district police chief.
On Thursday, Philip was charged with five counts of molesting two women, one of them an Unduk Ngadau contestant.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him under Section 354 of the Penal Code.
For each charge, he faces a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine, whipping or with any two such punishments upon conviction.
He was arrested on June 3 following a police report lodged by the pageant contestant over the molest allegation.
He was remanded for seven days from June 4 to facilitate police investigation over the claims.
He has since been suspended by his political party following the claims.