We must stop normalising physical abuse, says Hannah

 

Hannah Yeoh says physical abuse is not the way to ensure obedience and compliance.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians must put an end to normalising physical abuse as a method to ensure or promote obedience and compliance, says youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh.

In response to an incident involving a volleyball coach who was caught on video slapping two of his female teenage players, Yeoh said the issue here was not about gender, adding that it would have been wrong even if the players were boys.

“In fact, slapping anyone is wrong. Malaysians must stop normalising physical abuse as a means for behavioural compliance. Such action is wrong whether it is done to athletes, a spouse, children or maids.

“We must learn from this, improve and ensure that there is no repeat (of such incidents),” she said in a Twitter post.

Yeoh was the former deputy women, family and community development minister in the previous Pakatan Harapan administration.

In a video clip which has gone viral on social media, the coach could be seen slapping the two girls at the 2022 Malaysia Youth U14 Volleyball Championship in Johor recently.

His action drew the ire of many, including Yeoh and her predecessor, Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who said abusive behaviour should not be tolerated and that the coach should face disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, Wanita PKR’s legal bureau said the coach committed a criminal offence, adding that he should be charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.

It said the police must probe the matter to ensure the victims were given justice and that it would be a lesson to other coaches in the country.

“A (police) investigation is crucial to preventing such incidents from repeating. It also sends a clear message that physical violence and abuse is not normal and should not be practiced by anyone, especially against children.

“Wanita PKR also urges other athletes who have experienced situations like this to come forward and seek help. These victims should also be protected so that these issues would not be hidden by anyone.”

Earlier today, Melaka youth development, sports and NGO executive councillor VP Shanmugam said the coach had apologised to the girls and their parents over the matter on the day of the incident itself.

Yesterday, the Malaysia Volleyball Association announced that the coach had been suspended. - FMT