Ex-Sabah women and children’s hospital director sues successor, top official over removal

KOTA KINABALU — Former Hospital Wanita dan Kanak-Kanak Sabah (HWKKS) director Dr Yogendra Panchalingam has initiated legal proceedings against his successor and deputy health department official, alleging wrongful dismissal stemming from sexual harassment claims. Dr Yogendra filed the lawsuit at the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak on August 21, naming Sabah Health Department deputy director Datuk Dr Abd Kahar Abd Asis and ex-deputy turned successor Dr Christine Lu Shin Yeen as defendants.

In addition to the civil suit, Dr Yogendra filed a separate judicial review challenging the Ministry of Health's decision to remove him. According to Dr Yogendra, he was appointed hospital director in March 2025, but was summarily transferred on July 24 before the anti-sexual harassment tribunal had concluded its proceedings. This transfer, he claims, deprived him of his executive duties and monthly RM250 allowance, enabling Dr Lu's appointment.

Dr Yogendra denies all sexual harassment allegations, including those made by Dr Lu and the hospital's communications head, Elleyvianna Murang. He further asserts that Dr Lu pressured Elleyvianna into lodging a police report in January, alleging sexual harassment, emotional pressure, and psychological manipulation. Despite the lack of any substantiated findings, Dr Yogendra was transferred to a lower-ranking position on July 24.

He is seeking compensation for career damage, lost allowance, potential financial gains, and legal fees.