Kota Kinabalu: The High Court here rejected an application by a politician, to review the order for him to enter defence on four charges of molesting a 2021 State Unduk Ngadau contestant.
Judge Datuk Ismail Brahim dismissed Phillip Among’s application after hearing submissions from both parties.
Philip had applied to review the decision by the Magistrate’s Court to order him to enter his defence on the said charges.
In December 2023, the Magistrate’s Court had ordered Philip to enter his defence after the court ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him.
On the first to fourth counts, he is accused of molesting the Unduk Ngadau contestant on May 19, 2021 at 2pm, 3.30pm, 9.45pm and 10pm, respectively.
All the alleged incidents took place at a staircase next to Ever Best Photo in Asia City, in Studio Darvel Bay Borneo Holidays Sdn Bhd in Asia City, in a moving vehicle while on the way from a dinner place to an old office in the city and in an office in Metro Town, here, respectively.
He was charged under Section 354 of the Penal Code provides for a jail term of up to 10 years, or with fine or with whipping or with any two of such punishments, on conviction.
Phillip, had on June 10, 2021, claimed trial to the charges and his trial had started on April 12, 2022.
The prosecution had called eight witnesses during the hearing.
Phillip, who was a technical head for 2021 Unduk Ngadau competition, was also ordered to enter his defence on a charge of molesting a woman.
He was a Parliamentary Coordinator for Sabah Star’s Putatan Division, but was suspended from his position after two police reports were lodged against him for sexual assault.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Afiq Agoes appeared for the prosecution while Philip was represented by counsel Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah.
