N Sivananthan, who spoke on behalf of the organisers of the party, said while the organisers condemned any form of sexual harassment, there appeared to be an attempt by the complainant to have the matter judged by the public.
Sivananthan noted that the lawyer in question had lodged a police report on Sunday, and immediately thereafter posted details of her complaint on her Facebook profile, on her Twitter account the following day on Monday and on the Malaysian Bar Practitioners’ Facebook page on June 25.
“While the organisers condemn any form of sexual harassment, instead of allowing the police to conduct their investigations, these allegations are being disseminated all over social media where the complainant appears to be trying to have this matter adjudicated by the public.
“We also note that a copy of the contents of the complainant’s police report has gone viral over WhatsApp and while we do not know who initially sent out the same, as criminal lawyers we are aware that only the complainant has the right to a copy of her report.
“This clearly was done so that the identity of the suspect is revealed to the public,” he said in a statement today.
In her complaint made at the Sea Park police station on Sunday evening, the victim reportedly said her alleged assailant, who was said to be drunk, groped her at least twice.
The woman, who is in her early 30s, claimed she told the lawyer to stay away from her but that he ignored her warnings.
Sivananthan said the naming and shaming of the alleged perpetrator is uncalled for pending outcome of the investigations.
“The veracity of the complainant’s report has not been ascertained. The allegation that there is an attempt to cover up the report made is an insult to the investigating process and appears to be yet another attempt to solicit sympathy and support,” he said.
Sivananthan also stated that some members of the organising committee have been called in to give their statements.
“We understand that the police are seriously and diligently investigating the report lodged by the complainant.
“We therefore advise the complainant to let the police investigate the matter and as an ex-DPP, she should realise that pending the outcome of the investigations, the complaint merely remains an unverified allegation.
“As with all police reports it may or may not be the truth,” he said.
Sivananthan said the presumption of innocence is sacred and until and unless the perpetrator is charged and convicted, requested all parties to refrain from passing judgment in this matter.
“This is necessary to be fair to all parties concerned,” he added.