NIBONG TEBAL: Penang police have arrested a man to assist investigation into alleged sexual harassment against a female journalist during the Sungai Bakap state by-election campaign last night.
Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad, who confirmed the arrest, said the suspect turned himself in at the Seberang Perai Selatan police headquarters today.
"The man is currently remanded for two days for further investigation into the case, and the police guarantee that a detailed and transparent investigation will be conducted," he said when contacted by Bernama.
It is understood that the alleged sexual harassment occurred at Dewan Khairat Sungai Kecil last night while the journalist was covering an event involving Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno president.
The alleged sexual harassment by the man, who claimed to be a party worker, was reportedly witnessed by several other media practitioners.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution assured that the allegations of sexual harassment against the journalist will be investigated.
Saifuddin, who is also PKR Secretary-General, said that the matter would be scrutinised by his party as soon as they receive updates on the incident.
"The news has not yet reached me, possibly because I have been busy with the campaign. If a report has been made, I want to assure that it falls entirely under the authority of the police.
"Use the provisions of the law available, conduct a professional investigation, and follow the legal procedures," he said at a Pakatan Harapan press conference at the Unity Government's Main Operations Room in Sungai Bakap here today.
Also present were PH election director for the by-election Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, the Prime Minister's Senior Political Secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin and PH candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin.
Polling is this Saturday (July 6). — BERNAMA