KOTA KINABALU: The 2021 Unduk Ngadau pageant contestant who was allegedly molested by a Sabah politician was emotional when testifying in court today.
She was testifying in an open court as the first witness in the first day trial of Phillip Among @ Daniel Dell Fidelis's four molest cases.
The trial which was heard before Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie stood down for a few minutes to cool down the witness.
The 22-year-old alleged victim was asked by the Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Hajar Mazlan on what she felt when Philip touched her back. The witness was crying while answering that she was shocked and felt uncomfortable with Phillip's act.
She told the court that Phillip touched her back while saying 'halus oh belakang kau, tiada jerawat,'(you have smooth skin, no pimples).
The witness said during the incident she was wearing a bareback dress design.
Phillip who sat in the accused's dock was serious but calm throughout the hearing.
On the first to fourth counts, Phillip was accused of molesting the Unduk Ngadau contestant four times at various places on May 19 between 2pm and 10pm.
The alleged acts took place inside Studio Darvel Bay Borneo Holidays Sdn Bhd in Asia City; inside a moving car from a restaurant towards an old office in the city; at a staircase next to Ever Best Photo in Asia City; and inside an office in Metro Town.
The offence under Section 354 of the Penal Code provides a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine or whipping or with any two such punishments, upon conviction.
Phillip, who was technical head for 2021 Unduk Ngadau competition, had on June 10, 2021 claimed trial to the charges.
The witness also testified that when Philip caressed her back for the first time at the staircase while they were going up to a studio for a photoshoot, she maintained positive thoughts about the accused.
She disclosed that she went to Kota Kinabalu from her district on May 19, 2021 with another woman and after arriving in the city at about 11am, Phillip fetched her with a black Ninja King car.
The said woman could not join the photoshoot session because she had rushed to attend to other matters.
According to the witness, during the shooting session, Phillip touched her shoulder and body as she did not know how to pose.
She said she felt uncomfortable but she was afraid to speak up as Philip might be offended. Furthermore, she respected Phillip as one of the committees for the Unduk Ngadau state level.
The witness said she never allowed Phillip to caress her back and shoulder during the photoshoot session, and Phillip never asked her whether she was comfortable with his act.
Phillip who was released on extended bail was represented by counsel Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah and Azhier Farhan Arisin.
The trial continues tomorrow.