Allegations made by Unduk Ngadau contestant should not be taken lightly, says association chairman - The Star Online

KOTA KINABALU: The allegations of sexual molestation raised by a contestant of the recently-concluded Unduk Ngadau should not be taken lightly, says Sabah Unduk Ngadau Association chairman Ellyanti Nelson.

“Although this matter is being investigated by the police, we want to tell the victim and all others who might have gone through similar experiences that we stand with you and we will support you, ” she said.

She said that the allegations concern the exploitation of an individual, adding that the association is proud that the contestant was willing to come out and bring the matter to the attention of the authorities, knowing how difficult it must be for her to do so.

“We wish to thank the authorities who are willing to probe this matter without bias and favour, ” she added.

Ellyanti called on all parties to respect the contestant and to give her the space to handle this matter while urging them to also refrain from disturbing and influencing her or doing anything that could jeopardize the investigation.

She said the image of women, culture and the Unduk Ngadau cultural pageant must be upheld and not tarnished by any immoral acts.

Following the matter, many former beauty queens and women have come out to show their moral support for the alleged victim.

State Unduk Ngadau for 2007 Jo-Anna Sue Henly Rampas said the Unduk Ngadau was an auspicious cultural event and is embedded in the culture of the people of Sabah. She applauded the contestant for her courage in speaking up.

She said the accusations are concerning and she thanked the authorities for their swift response and willingness to investigate the matter.

Similarly, 2005 Unduk Ngadau Mandy Nandu said it was important to ensure the safety and dignity as well as wellbeing of all contestants in this culturally significant event.

“I stand with the contestant for her courage and bravery, ” she said, in hoping that more organisations or individuals will come out to support the contestant and not condemn her.

She also said that precautionary measures need to be taken in the future to prevent similar incidents from happening.

Meanwhile, Fharelynne Ivonne Henry, who was Unduk Ngadau for 2004, said people need to stop their prejudices against the contestant and focus on making sure justice is served.

She said what happened or might have happened was in no way a woman’s fault, not in the way she dressed, talked or how she presented herself.

“To the contestant, this is not your problem alone but that of a lot of women in the world who have or are facing similar predicaments, ” Fharelynne said.

Many others have also shown their solidarity with the contestant by sharing their thoughts and posting supportive messages in their social media platforms.

However, many have also blamed the victim for following the man at night, while some questioned the way some contestants dress and act around men.

The Unduk Ngadau contestant had lodged a police report on May 21, claiming that a politician who was also a pageant official had molested her after a pageant-related photoshoot on May 19.

A second police report was also lodged against the same politician by a security guard at the Hongkod Koisaan Cultural Hall in Penampang recently as well, claiming that the politician had used physical force on him during an argument.

According to the report which was lodged on May 21, the contestant claimed that the politician had asked her to follow him in his car for dinner after a photo shoot at a bridal house in Asia City here on May 19.

She alleged that while inside his vehicle, the man rubbed her thighs, neck and hands even though she tried to stop him. She claimed she was taken to the man’s former office where he continued to harass her despite her protests.

The man was believed to be involved in the technical side of the pageant.