The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (MPM) is considering legal action against Paralympic gold medallist Cheah Liek Hou after he publicly criticised the body over a RM60,000 cash incentive that had allegedly been delayed.
MPM president Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin said Cheah’s social media post had damaged the council’s image and could discourage future sponsorships, Berita Harian reported.
“We are discussing with our lawyers the next course of action. We will also issue a show cause letter to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
“We will send a letter to the National Sports Council to determine if there is a code of ethics on whether athletes can act in this manner,” he was quoted as saying at a press conference today.
Megat also said the council would not hesitate to suspend the two-time Paralympics gold medallist from future major events.
“Once this show cause letter is issued, it could lead to the athlete’s suspension. For your information, in terms of sporting events, the authority to register (participants) lies solely with MPM,” he said.
“Only MPM has the power to register any athlete. I hope they use the proper channels. We are always open to discussions.”
Cheah, who won gold in Tokyo 2020 and defended his title at the 2024 Paris Games last year, took to Instagram on Sept 12 to voice his frustration that gold medallists were still waiting for the RM60,000 reward more than a year after the Games.
Megat, however, questioned where the RM60,000 figure originated from.
He said three companies had initially pledged support for medal winners, and MPM had now received RM88,000 from one sponsor to be distributed to the athletes.
Gold medallists, including Cheah, will now receive RM25,000 each, silver medallists RM15,000, and bronze medallists RM8,000, with payments to be made today.
‘Stop being a bully and take responsibility’
Separately, DAP’s Kampar MP Chong Zhemin has demanded that Megat take responsibility and resign over the matter raised by Cheah.
“Cheah Liek Hou delivered on his side by winning gold for Malaysia at the Paralympic Games, bringing pride and glory to our nation,” he said in a statement today.
“It is therefore the duty of MPM to honour its obligation of the RM60,000 reward, regardless of whether private sponsors have defaulted.”
Chong also urged the youth and sports ministry to intervene to ensure the country’s athletes are protected from unfair treatment.
“Our athletes deserve respect, fair treatment, and timely fulfilment of promises made to them. Malaysians will always stand behind our champions,” he added.
