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SCMP Reporter

A former IBM employee told the District Court yesterday he was forced to kiss his female boss while they were alone in an office.

 Ray Chen, 31, testified Tamara Rus, 29, had once said he looked sexy when wearing shorts.

 He is suing Ms Rus, alleging she sexually harassed him while he worked as a senior information technology specialist at IBM between August and December 1998.

 Mr Chen is also suing IBM China/Hong Kong, alleging the company ignored his repeated complaints over Ms Rus's actions and 'abruptly terminated' his contract.

 Both have denied the claims.

 Representing himself in court, Mr Chen said Ms Rus had once asked him to go to a room in the office and then harassed him.

 'She grabbed me by my waist, I was wearing a shirt and she kissed me,' he said.

 Mr Chen recalled another incident when Ms Rus allegedly invited him to her home in McDonnell Road, Mid-Levels, on a Sunday night.

  Once he was in the flat, Ms Rus said he looked very sexy when he was wearing shorts, he said.

  'I never tried to be sexy . . . I don't like people referring to me like that,' he said.

 Mr Chen said that when he tried to leave, Ms Rus grabbed him and kissed him.

  'I did not feel good about that but I felt lucky. At least, there was no additional move and I got out in one piece.'  Mr Chen also read out copies of an e-mail allegedly sent by Ms Rus which claimed the pair were attracted to each other. 'The fact is that we have been flirting with each other at work. You cannot deny this, and I believe you actually enjoy it. I know I do,' the e-mail said.

  'This is why I make you blush and intimidate you (well, so you think anyway).

 'I know you like being around me and the feeling is mutual.'   Mr Chen said he had never been attracted to Ms Rus and did not want to become friends with her.

 But he said he had sent some 'silly e-mails' addressing Ms Rus as 'Sweetie Kiss' and 'Tamara Baby'.

 Mr Chen said he and Ms Rus had argued over work, saying she was very demanding, which frustrated him. He also told the court he was convicted of hacking offences in 1995 and was fined $30,000.

 Mr Chen wants a declaration from the two defendants stating they have 'unlawfully discriminated' against him and is seeking a court order forcing IBM to re-employ and promote him.

 He is also seeking unspecified damages from the defendants, including damages for hurt feelings as well as punitive and exemplary damages.

  The trial continues before Judge Maggie Poon Man-kay on Monday.



Employee 'forced to kiss his boss'