I am deeply disturbed by the recent statement made by the President of the Paralympic Council Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Megat D. Shahriman bin Dato’ Zaharudin, threatening to ban our national hero Cheah Liek Hou for merely speaking up about his unpaid reward.
A promise of a reward is not a casual gesture. It is a binding financial commitment. Cheah Liek Hou delivered on his side by winning gold for Malaysia at the Paralympic Games, bringing pride and glory to our nation. It is therefore the duty of the Paralympic Council Malaysia to honour its obligation of RM60,000 reward, regardless of whether private sponsors have defaulted. Passing the blame onto sponsors does not absolve the Council of responsibility.
What is even more appalling is the attempt to silence and punish Cheah Liek Hou by considering a ban. This is nothing short of bullying and an abuse of power. Instead of celebrating and protecting our athletes, the Council is attacking the very individual who has lifted our flag on the world stage.
I call on Dato’ Sri Megat D. Shahriman to take full responsibility and immediately tender his resignation for this failure in leadership and for resorting to intimidation.
I also urge the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Government to intervene without delay to protect our athletes from such unfair treatment. Malaysia must stand firmly with Cheah Liek Hou and all our athletes who sacrifice so much for the honour of our nation.
Our athletes deserve respect, fair treatment, and timely fulfilment of promises made to them. Malaysians will always stand behind our champions.