Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has responded to those who criticised her for raining praise on Thai shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who defeated Malaysian ace Lee Zii Jia in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics 2024.
The DAP lawmaker cited the “Olympic values” which emphasise “respect and friendship” as well as its goal to “build a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practised without discrimination”.
“I am not just the sports minister. I am also the youth minister. I am not all about winning medals at all costs. I am here to instil a healthy sporting culture for our youth. We are not sore losers,” she said on Instagram.
Contrary to Bersatu MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal’s claim, Yeoh denied her earlier post regarding Kunlavut, in which she declared herself a fan of the “calm and collected” Thai shuttler, was insensitive.
“There is nothing insensitive about acknowledging our rival’s strength after the competition. I saw how calm Kunlavut was (only 23 years old and ranked no 8 then) when he defeated world number 1 Shi Yuqi of China 21-12, 21-10,” she added.
The minister also had a message for the youth - “be brave to call out what is good”.
“If you sit around fearing social media comments, you allow opportunities to display exemplary acts to slip by.
“Sports teach us invaluable lessons about life and this is why parents must encourage children to do sports. They become stronger when they practice good sportsmanship,” she added.
Celebrate winners
Yeoh also highlighted where the “Olympic values” touched on respect for opponents and setting aside rivalries.
“When the competition has ended, after receiving your medals, you celebrate the winners.
“Sportsmanship is about accepting loss when all is fair and being able to acknowledge your rivals in a respectful manner,” she added.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported how Yeoh’s post with Kunlavut had triggered a war of words between politicians with another DAP lawmaker Chong Zhemin accusing Wan Fayhsal, a former deputy youth and sports minister, of bringing toxic politics into sport.
The Bersatu MP, when commenting on Yeoh’s post, which also courted flak from netizens, said that the minister should be “sensitive to our athletes and, more importantly, the feelings of our supporters.” - Mkini
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