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The Paralympic Council Malaysia (PCM) is standing firm on its demand for a written explanation from shuttler Cheah Liek Hou over his claim that he was "scammed" of a promised cash reward, even though the matter has been "settled"
Yesterday, 23 September, PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin told Astro Arena that he was deeply unhappy with the two-time Paralympic gold medallist's choice of words in his Instagram post late last week.
The shuttler had claimed that he felt like "PCM scammed" him by failing to deliver the RM60,000 cash incentive promised more than a year ago.
"The word 'scam' from a world champion is inappropriate," Megat told sports news programme, Nadi Arena.
According to the PCM president, no individual or organisation in the world would agree to being disrespected in such a manner.
"We must be aware of and practise respect, and be fair in all matters."
Megat stated that Cheah's approach was "unprofessional", saying that a simple apology would suffice to ease tensions and restore PCM's confidence as the umbrella body for para-athletes
"Apologising is easy, but it requires real effort. If you feel it is difficult, that is a personal choice," Megat was quoted as saying.
He added that PCM still wants written explanations not only from Cheah but also from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), the governing body responsible for the athlete.
"We will be in direct contact with the responsible sports association. We also need to gather information so that it becomes a lesson," he said, stressing that documentation of the issue was important for the council.
The insistence comes despite Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh earlier declaring the matter "settled"
Yeoh's comments came after retail chain 99 Speedmart stepped in with a RM35,000 top-up on top of PCM's RM25,000, completing the RM60,000 reward that was said to have been promised for Cheah's gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Yeoh had also rebuked PCM for "overstepping", stressing that Cheah is under the care of BAM and fully funded by the National Sports Council, making it outside the council's jurisdiction to discipline him.
Cheah, meanwhile, has publicly said he wants to put the saga behind him and focus on training, reported the New Straits Times.
Speaking after receiving yet another RM35,000 contribution from Johor-based property developer Faire Development, the 14-time world champion said he remains open to dialogue if PCM reaches out.
"I am open to discussions with them. If PCM invites me to talk and make peace, I will always welcome it. I also want to focus on my training. I want this issue resolved as soon as possible. I just want to do what I have to do. Because I need to focus on my training and tournaments," Cheah said.
