KOTA KINABALU: A politician charged with molesting an Unduk Ngadau contestant told the Magistrate's Court that he never touched the woman's back as alleged during the prosecution stage of the trial.
Phillip Among, who testified before magistrate Marilyn Kelvin yesterday, also said the touches he made during a photoshoot with the beauty pageant contestant were not intended to be inappropriate.
He said he was only helping the woman pose for the photoshoot.
According to a Borneo Post report, Phillip said as a director and photographer, he would usually help models with their positioning and poses during photoshoots.
He also said the woman was very cheerful and enthusiastic during the photoshoot.
"During the photoshoot sessions, the contestant did not show any sign of discomfort.
"She also expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the assistance and sponsorship I provided," he said.
Phillip said he previously paid for the woman's accommodation for a different event and helped her arrange for transport for the pageant in Kota Kinabalu and other necessities.
The trial will resume on Jan 13, 2025.
Phillip is standing trial on four charges of molesting the woman in a studio, a car, a staircase and an office on May 19, 2021.
The offence under Section 354 of the Penal Code for criminal force to outrage a person's modesty provides a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine or whipping or two of the punishments, upon conviction.