KAJANG: The Youth and Sports Ministry has made it clear it will not support any attempt by the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) to suspend two-time Paralympic badminton gold medallist Cheah Liek Hou.
The issue arose after Liek Hou criticised PCM on social media over delays in distributing cash incentives for Paris Paralympics medallists, saying he felt like he was “scammed”.
In response, PCM threatened legal action against the para-shuttler and considered banning him from competing in future multi-sports Games.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh explained that para-athlete registration for events such as the Paralympics and Asean Para Games is under PCM’s jurisdiction.
However, she stressed that banning athletes for raising concerns about delayed rewards was misplaced and unfair, adding that Liek Hou had done nothing wrong.
“This is not an issue of discipline, crime or refusal to train,” she told reporters after attending the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institute graduation ceremony here today.
“Liek Hou and our other para-athletes have sacrificed and delivered for the country. To talk about banning him is simply not appropriate.”
Hannah said the ministry, through the National Sports Council (NSC), would continue to stand firmly behind Malaysia’s five Paralympic medallists, describing them as “key athletes” in the nation’s para sports movement.
PCM’s stance has drawn widespread criticism from the public.
Hannah added that what angered Malaysians most was not Liek Hou’s complaint, but the council’s reaction, which included suggestions of punitive action.
“Malaysians have responded with anger because they felt their hero was not treated with respect,” she said.
“We must listen to why the public is angry. Their frustration has a place, and it tells us improvements are needed in how we govern rewards for athletes.”
Hannah admitted weaknesses in governance lay at the heart of the dispute, which stemmed from delays in fulfilling PCM’s promised rewards.
She said the controversy should serve as a turning point for reforms in how concerned parties manage sponsorship pledges and incentive schemes.
“The important thing now is to improve,” she said.
“The public outrage shows us that the current way of doing things is not good enough.
“We must ensure rewards are not still being argued about one year after a major event.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
