Paralympic Council still seeking written explanation from Cheah

The Paralympic Council Malaysia (PCM) still expects a written explanation from two-time Paralympic gold medallist Cheah Liek Hou over his claims he was “scammed” out of a RM60,000 reward.

PCM president Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin reportedly said the council is also seeking a written explanation from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

“We will be in direct contact with the responsible sports association.

“We also need to gather information so that it becomes a lesson,” New Straits Times quoted him as saying today.

Megat’s remarks are despite Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh saying earlier today that the issue is now “considered settled” after Cheah received a top-up reward of RM35,000 from retail chain 99 Speed Mart Sdn Bhd.

With the additional contribution and a previous RM25,000 from PCM, Cheah has now received the RM60,000 that was purportedly promised by the council for winning gold in last year’s Paris Paralympics.

During a press conference at the handover of the funds today, Cheah said he does not regret speaking out on the delayed cash reward involving the PCM.

It was previously reported that Cheah had accused the council of being deceitful for failing to pay him the promised RM60,000 incentive.

In response to Cheah’s claims, however, Megat said the council is considering legal action against the national badminton player.

Warning that Cheah faces a lifetime suspension from competitions authorised by the council if he is found guilty by its disciplinary committee, Megat asserted that no such amount had been promised to Cheah.

He also accused the athlete of damaging the council’s credibility and hindering future sponsorships.

‘Inaccurate and unprofessional’

Commenting on the matter, Megat today said he was unhappy with the wording of Cheah’s social media post, which the former said could give an “inaccurate narrative”.

Megat reportedly described Cheah’s approach in voicing his grouses as “unprofessional”, asserting that the athlete should have made an effort to ease tensions by “apologising” for the tensions caused by his wording.

Such an apology, Megat argued, would be enough to win back the confidence of PCM as the umbrella body for para athletes in the country.

“I believe no individual or organisation in the world would agree with the use of that word (scam organisation).

“We must be aware of and practise respect, and be fair in all matters. I always remind everyone, including myself, to apologise and make amends when necessary,” Megat was quoted as saying.

He noted that while apologising is easy, it requires “real effort” and is a “personal choice” if anyone feels such a move is difficult.

Yeoh previously berated the PCM for overstepping in the case involving Cheah, insisting that the matter is “not a disciplinary issue but is due to the PCM’s own delay”.

She added that the council does not have the authority to “act on its own” as Cheah is under the care of the BAM while being fully funded by the National Sports Council.

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