Kota Kinabalu: A politician, who was charged with molesting a woman two years ago, was ordered to enter his defence to the charge.
Magistrate Lovely Natasha Charles ordered Phillip Among, 53, ruling that the court was satisfied that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him.
Lovely set Nov 29 and 30 for his defence.
Philip was a Parliamentary Coordinator of Sabah Star Putatan Division, but was suspended from his position after two police reports were lodged against him for sexual assault.
Phillip was accused of committing the offence against the woman at 11pm on April 17, 2021 in the living room of Jesselton Capsule Inn in Asia City.
On June 10, 2021 Phillip claimed trial to the charge under Section 354 of the Penal Code which provides for a jail term of up to 10 years, or with a fine or with whipping or with any two of such punishments, on conviction.
Ten witnesses were called to testify at the prosecution stage.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Hajar Mazlan appeared for the prosecution while the accused was represented by counsel Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah.
In another case, a 63-year-old man was fined RM25 or three days jail for making unnecessary noise in a residential area in Penampang, seven months ago.
Chan Tuck Keong pleaded guilty to cursing and yelling against one Chang Seng Poh with the intention of disturbing public order at 1.04pm on March 28 in the Beverly Hills area.
He was charged under Section 8(1)(e) of the Penal Code which provides for RM25 fine on conviction.
Inspector Kelvan Elson Maik prosecuted.
