Golf club rebuts ex-staffer's harassment claim, cites due process

The Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) has hit back at a former employee’s grouses regarding the club’s handling of a sexual harassment allegation.

Asserting that the club had adhered to stipulated processes in dealing with the sexual harassment complaint, a law firm representing the club denied the claims made by the ex-staffer, who had accused her then-superior of sending her inappropriate WhatsApp messages.

The victim, who spoke with Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity, had earlier alleged that the superior in question, who still works at RSGC, repeatedly winked at her throughout her employment at the club.

According to legal office Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill, the club took issue with the victim’s claim that she was told she would come “under risk of termination” if she were to file a whistleblowing report against her superior.

“The club’s independent investigators could not find evidence to verify the complainant’s allegation that she would come ‘under risk of termination’ if she were to file a whistleblowing report.

“The club’s HR (human resources) representative has also denied the same,” the lawyers said in a statement to Malaysiakini.

Commenting on the victim’s claim that the superior was allowed to “cross-examine” her before a domestic inquiry panel, the law firm said three independent professionals - two of whom were women - presided over the inquiry proceedings.

“The club also appointed a lawyer as a presenting officer to lead her evidence and ensure fair questions were put to her by the respondent (the implicated superior).

“The club did not clear the respondent after the findings of the domestic inquiry by the independent panel. Notwithstanding the findings of the domestic inquiry, the club decided to censure the respondent by way of a stern warning,” it added.

Club denies clearing accused superior

It also dismissed as “incorrect” the victim’s claim that the superior had been “cleared” of charges by the club, which allegedly asserted that since the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment did not award her monetary compensation, her case is “very light”.

“The club, in any event, did not make such statements to the complainant,” the firm said.

It also noted that by way of a letter dated July 22, the club informed the complainant about the outcome of the domestic inquiry, which held that the superior was “not guilty” of the sexual harassment allegations.

The superior was warned, however, that RSGC would institute disciplinary action, including dismissal, for any future conduct which contravenes the club’s values or jeopardises the club’s operational integrity.

The law firm previously told Malaysiakini that the club had offered alternative working arrangements to the complainant to ensure she did not have to continue working with her superior.

The club was also said to have encouraged the victim to report any further acts of harassment should such incidents occur.

The victim is currently pushing police to investigate the alleged sexual harassment, following a police report filed in February.

Ex-staff of renowned golf club presses cops on sexual harassment probe

Headmaster nabbed in Malacca on suspicion of molesting student

Women reps, activists slam PAS leader's 'sexist' cattle analogy

Taiwanese tourist alleges police extortion, sexual harassment