2023 SEA Games Malaysian contingent deputy chef de mission Sharon Wee is ready to provide counselling to athletes who were victims of sexual harassment.
Commenting on the recent case of a female mountain biking athlete allegedly sexually harassed by a coach, Wee expressed disappointment and surprise by the incident.
She said that she wanted to ensure the emotional and mental state of the athlete was in good condition ahead of the 2023 SEA Games.
"Together, we need to ensure that she feels safe and has no trauma to continue to achieve success in cycling and make the country proud.
"But, at the same time, I want the athlete to be taken care of, given space, privacy and we want her to be safe.
"As a woman, national athlete and sports administrator, I do not agree and am against sexual harassment in sports.
“The guilty parties should be brought to justice," she was quoted as saying by Bernama last night, after the national jet ski squad's training session at Tasik Biru Kundang.
Earlier today, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said that the coach allegedly linked to the sexual harassment case had resigned.
Yeoh said, however, the investigation into the matter will continue to be carried out as it is an offence under the Penal Code.
Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Abu Samah Abd Wahab confirmed yesterday that he had received a report regarding the case.
The athlete, who is in her 20s, lodged a police report on Thursday, claiming she was sexually harassed by her own coach while training with the team.
MNCF took immediate action to suspend the coach in question to assist in the investigation.
Commenting further, Wee said that she is confident that MNCF and the police - in collaboration with the National Sports Council, the ministry and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), will conduct a detailed investigation into it.
Wee added that Malaysia, especially in terms of sports, is one of the safest countries for all groups including women and children.
"But there are one or two people in this world who tarnish the safety of sports in our country. So this incident does not represent all sportspersons or society... Malaysia is a safe country and sports are safe here.
"What is important is that we find a solution together and raise awareness that sports should be safe and carry out our respective responsibilities," she said. - Mkini
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