NGO demands alleged sexual harassment in Sabah Wildlife Rescue Unit probed

A group of NGOs has urged the Sabah state government to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and misappropriation of funds in the state's Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU).

This came after a former wildlife veterinarian of WRU took to social media, alleging how she and her female colleagues were sexually harassed by their former boss.

The group, CSO Platform for Reform (Sabah Chapter), in a statement today said: "On Oct 19, a senior executive of WRU posted a Facebook photo of three young women with a caption using a derogatory term used to describe female dogs.

"The post was taken down shortly after with an amended caption and a short apology.

"However, new posts accusing the same senior executive of various misdeeds that previously happened in the department, arose the same day," said the group.

The group was referring to a posting shared by Carolina Zu, who substantiated her allegation with a screenshot image of her former boss describing three female staff with a derogatory term.

"When they ask me why I left the ‘best job in the world’ working with wildlife in Sabah. This is why. Getting called a bitch or a whore just for doing our job which we were never good enough for because we were women.

"Shame to see you still support this person and their behaviour," wrote Zu, who worked as WRU's veterinarian between September 2018 and June 2019.

The group also pointed out that Zu previously penned a four-page letter addressed to Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) Director Augustine Tuuga on July 5, 2019 upon her resignation from the department.

The group said that in Zu's letter, she shared her disappointment of working in WRU, which she described as a "tense and hostile work environment".

"She claimed that the funds were not properly allocated to necessary services, and salaries were not paid in full, while used lavishly on unnecessary and inappropriate expenses.

"She also highlighted several disturbing incidents of harassment and unethical behaviour, including name-calling," said CSO Platform for Reform.

Zu's letter which was posted on Facebook has been shared 500 times since being uploaded.

Protect women, prevent misuse of public funds

The group said they believed this is a cause for concern as it involves public funds. The group also voiced concern about the disrespectful behaviour and treatment of women working in the department.

"As Malaysia acceded to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw), necessary action needs to be taken to ensure women have the opportunity to work in a safe and respectful environment.

"In view of Malaysia recently winning a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term, it is pertinent that the state shows serious commitment in upholding human rights."

"We strongly urge the Sabah government to investigate the claims in WRU and provide a proper response as this is a matter of public concern," said the group.

CSO Platform for Reform is a Malaysia-based coalition of 90 civil society organisations (CSOs) focusing on institutional reforms.

Zu shared on Tuesday (Oct 19) that poor management by her former boss, who is also the sole decision-maker in the team, caused the team to be unable to function properly due to a lack of funding and resources.

"In the 10 months that I was employed there, I witnessed a number of situations that were very questionable and that certainly created a very tense and hostile work environment.

"This directly reflects the capacity of the team to help wildlife properly and also in the development of the WRU's full potential," she said.

According to Zu, this also led to a delay in salary and allowance paid to the staff. She claimed a former veterinarian was owed approximately RM10,000 when he left in July 2018.

She said a lack of funding also prevented animals from getting the treatment they needed as the team was not given an allocation for fuel.

WRU's responsibilities include undertaking wildlife rescue and translocation operations, other conservation activities, as well as managing and setting up a new wildlife rescue centre.

"Smartpay card transaction was declined. This led to multiple operations not being carried out and animals going untreated," she said.

WRU's accounts should be audited by an independent firm, she said, adding that any funds received by WRU should only be used for operations on the ground.

Malaysiakini has contacted the Sabah Chief Minister's Office, Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Jafry Ariffin, as well as WRU for comment. - Mkini

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