An NGO Founder Has Been Accused Of Sexually Harassing A Trainee Doctor In KL
More individuals have since come forward to accuse the man of inappropriately touching them on several occasions.
By May Vin Ang — 10 Jul 2020, 05:16 PM
A university lecturer was arrested to assist in investigations of the alleged molest of a male trainee doctor at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim said the 56-year-old man, who is paralysed from the waist down, was arrested at about 5pm on Thursday, 9 July.
Malay Mail reported that the wheelchair-bound suspect is also the founder and director of non-governmental organisation (NGO) Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF), a religious organisation that describes itself as an intellectual movement to empower youth.
"The suspect will have his statement recorded and released on police bail," said Mazlan in a statement after the arrest, adding that police received the report regarding the incident from the victim on 17 February.
The suspect has since been released, according to local media reports.
The 27-year-old victim told the police he was allegedly molested at the suspect's office on 4 November 2019 - the first day he reported for work
According to Malaysiakini, the trainee doctor reported that the suspect, who is his supervisor and a specialist doctor, had hugged him after hearing about his financial issues when pursuing his degree abroad.
"He then started kissing my neck and cheeks," the victim claimed.
Mazlan said the young doctor was also initially hesitant to lodge a police report as he feared that his career would be ruined as the accused was an influential person in the industry.
After lodging a report in February this year, the complainant again decided not to pursue the case. It was only this week that he asked the police to resume their investigations, the chief clarified.
Bernama reported that the case is being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code for using criminal force to outrage the modesty of a person.
The accused has since denied all allegations and described them as a malicious "concerted effort" to tarnish his name
The IRF director welcomed the investigation since it would be an opportunity for him to clear his name.
He also added that he will take appropriate legal action to deal with the matter and said the victim only wanted revenge after losing a civil suit to him six years ago.
Several individuals have come forward alleging the activist had molested them as far back as 2014
According to separate reports by Malay Mail and Malaysiakini, a handful of former IRF members said the director had touched them inappropriately on several occasions.
These included stroking their arms and legs, hugging them around their waists, and also one other case which resulted in a police report for sexual assault.
News reports are withholding the name of the accused as the case has not been brought to court and to secure the confidentiality of the complainants.
These Malaysian organisations aim to help survivors of rape and sexual assault:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-79563488
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Weekdays (9.30am - 4.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Weekdays (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4390698
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6082-422660
SMS/WhatsApp: +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 2pm)
Contact: +6088-280200
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6016-2273065 | +6016-7213065
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
