Instead, among the national contingent
stands a coach accused of the unthinkable: telling an 18-year-old to
lie, fabricate an injury and step aside for a slower senior sprinter. That man is now in the games village,
credentialled by Malaysia, surrounded by young athletes who rely on
their coaches for trust, guidance and safety.
A figure facing allegations of coercion, document distortion, retaliation and abuse of authority should not be there. Not for another hour. Not for another race. Not for another team meeting. He should be on the first flight home.
Because a coach who allegedly tells a teenager to lie — in writing, step by step — is not just a threat to one athlete’s career. He is a risk to every athlete under his influence, and to the integrity of the sport itself.
And this case, backed by WhatsApp messages, medical records and a formal letter from the family, is not a “miscommunication”. Not a personality clash. Not a quibble over selection criteria. It is a clear breach of authority,
involving pressure on a minor, manipulation of information, intimidation
and interference in selection — conduct Malaysian sport cannot
tolerate.
The question is not whether the coach is guilty; that will be determined by due process. The question is why he remains with the national team in Bangkok while that process unfolds.
Under global SafeSport standards in the
UK, US and Australia, any allegation involving pressure on a minor,
misuse of medical information, intimidation or behaviour affecting
selection triggers immediate suspension pending inquiry. Not “monitoring”. Not “waiting for the panel to meet”.
Immediate removal from athlete environments to prevent influence, tampering or repeat behaviour. Malaysia’s decision to leave him in place, overseeing athletes, some minors, all vulnerable, is a failure of safeguarding. Athletes in a games village are isolated
from their families, dependent on coaches for daily decisions, and often
afraid to speak.
It is the very environment where pressure can thrive if unchecked. A coach under investigation for instructing a teenager to lie should not be mentoring or monitoring anyone. This is not harsh. This is standard. And right now, Malaysia is falling below standard.
