KUALA LUMPUR: Para-badminton legend Cheah Liek Hou will not face suspension over a row on athletes’ rewards, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeohconfirmed on Facebook today.
The controversy erupted when Liek Hou complained that a promised RM60,000 incentive from a corporate sponsor had not been handed directly to him.
His use of the word “scam” sparked a furious backlash from the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM).
The council threatened legal action against the two-time Paralympic champion and even considered banning him from future multi-sport events.
Hannah said the matter was settled after talks with PCM, with both sides agreeing that no disciplinary action would be taken.
“There will be no suspension of Liek Hou. The PCM will instead seek clarification from him regarding the confusion surrounding the word ‘scam’,” she said.
The minister added that all athlete rewards will now come with written templates, similar to the Road to Goldinitiative, to prevent further disputes.
“This is to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure a clearer, more transparent process,” she said, urging all parties to move on so athletes could focus on training and competition.
“Our priority is to let athletes concentrate on their preparations and performances.
“The ministry will always support our athletes in their mission to bring glory to Malaysia,” she added.
Hannah also thanked private sponsors who stepped in to top up PCM’s incentives for the five Malaysian medallists at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, saying their contributions showed the nation’s appreciation for its athletes.
Liek Hou, one of Malaysia’s most decorated para-athletes, won men’s singles SU5 gold at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games.
In Paris, Bonnie Bunyau Gustin also struck gold in the men’s 72kg powerlifting, while Ziyad Zolkefli and Abdul Latif Romly bagged silvers in the men’s shot put F20 and long jump T20. Eddy Bernard added a bronze in the men’s 100m T44.
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