GRS rep forgives Warisan 'friend' who punched her

A Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) assemblyperson has forgiven a Warisan assemblyperson who punched her in the shoulder earlier this week.

Kunak lawmaker Norazlinah Arif, however, only accepted the apology after lodging a police report.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Sabah state legislature.

A video posted by Norazlinah (above, right) showed Merotai assemblyperson Sarifuddin Hata walking past her while making a punching motion with a closed fist.

Norazlinah then cries “aduh” while Sarifuddin continues walking.

“A rough jest by Merotai. My body spun after my shoulder was punched,” she said in a Facebook post.

According to the police report she filed on Friday, Norazlinah said Sarifuddin hit her quite hard and caused pain that lasted days.

Sarifuddin, meanwhile, initially appeared to downplay the incident.

In a comment on her video on Wednesday, the Warisan lawmaker called on others not to misunderstand his friendship with Norazlinah.

She replied that she thought they were friends too, but that Sarifuddin had not smiled or said anything when he punched her.

“I did smile, YB. But I was in a rush because I had a press conference. Hehehe,” he replied.

He only apologised on Thursday morning when Norazlinah said the punch had hurt her.

“Forgive me, friend. My jest may have been rough. I had no intention to hurt.

“I was rushing as journalists were waiting for me when I tapped the shoulder while running. Please forgive me,” he said.

Norazlinah initially did not accept the apology, saying that the Merotai representative clearly punched her and did not tap as he claimed.

Further, she said that Sarifuddin’s actions had hurt the pride of her and her husband.

However, she softened her stance yesterday.

“A police report and examination by an expert has been done.

“My husband and I forgive (Sarifuddin).

“May this culture of roughhousing and disregarding decorum between non-muhrim (those not closely related) do not become part of our practice. Let us make this incident a lesson,” she said in a Facebook post.

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