PETALING JAYA: The coach accused of sexual harassment by a female national cyclist has resigned, says youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh.
She said the investigation into the incident would continue and the National Sports Council (MSN) would ensure swift action is taken.
Yeoh warned that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in such incidents, regardless of their status.
“A police report has already been lodged regarding this alleged sexual harassment. We need to make sure all such complaints are investigated fairly,” she said.
“If the claims are false, we must ensure the accused gets justice.”
Yeoh spoke to reporters after launching a fundraising campaign in Shah Alam to send the national footgolf team to the Footgolf World Cup in the United States.
Yesterday, Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) vice-president Amarjit Singh Gill was reported to have said the federation had been informed about the police report against the cycling coach and had launched an investigation.
He said the coach was suspended with immediate effect pending investigations.
Meanwhile, the deputy chef de mission of the Malaysian contingent to the 2023 SEA Games, Sharon Wee, said she was disappointed by the allegation, especially as it came just five weeks before the tournament in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, kicks off.
Wee, a former national squash player, said it was essential for the female cyclist’s mental state of mind to be in good condition ahead of the May 5-17 SEA Games.
“Together, we need to ensure that she feels safe and feels no trauma to do well in cycling and make the country proud,” Wee was quoted as saying by Bernama.
“But at the same time, I want the athlete to be taken care of, given space and privacy. We want her to be safe.”
