Pandelela blames media over 'entity' issue, press group hits back

• UPDATED 9.50PM | Added a response from the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia.

National diving queen Pandelela Rinong cleared the air today on the “entity” issue, stating that the media had misinterpreted her words leading to speculation and misunderstanding.

“These issues are related to training. However, they have been translated into terms like ‘entity’ and ‘third party’, which is very misleading to the public.

“I do not have any other platforms to clarify this to the public and, therefore, have decided to make this statement to clear the air once and for all.

“I hope this matter will finally be put to rest,” she said in a Facebook post today.

In an immediate response, the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia expressed disappointment over Pandelela’s remarks, stressing a commitment to uphold professional standards in their duties as journalists.

”The media reports were based on statements made and all the (interview) sessions were recorded.

”Therefore, it is unfair to blatantly blame the media,” said its president Norismadi Abd Manap in a statement.

He added the association also remains open for discussion with any parties if there were any confusion that arises.

The below-par performance of the national diving squad at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, recently, saw divers failing to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, scheduled to take place from July 26-Aug 11.

Despite mentioning there were issues when asked by the media what could have affected the team’s performance upon her arrival from Doha, the 30-year-old athlete said she could not elaborate on this without first meeting up with the relevant parties to conduct a post-mortem.

On Thursday, the Malaysian Swimming Federation secretary-general Andy Low told a press conference that they would investigate Pandelela’s claims that interference from an “entity” had taken a toll on the national diving camp performance in Doha.

However, Low, who had earlier met Pandelela on the same day, refused to disclose any details until investigations were over and after receiving the endorsement from the National Sports Council’s Working Committee meeting, which is expected to take place within three weeks to a month.

Low had also criticised Pandelela, alleging the national diver was only giving excuses to cover up her failure in Doha.

‘No need to criticise Pandelela’

However, Sarawak’s Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah rebuked Low.

“For Pandelela to reach that level was not easy. You need strong physical and mental strength as well as daily training.

“To say Pandelela only wants to earn a salary… I feel she can make more based on her experience and if she becomes a coach.

“No need for officials to belittle athletes,” Bernama reported the minister as saying.

- Bernama

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