KUALA LUMPUR – It is understood that former tenpin bowler Syaidattul Afifah Badrul Hamidi took to social media recently with a cryptic suggestion that she had fallen victim to the same ghastly act that has plagued aquatic athletes Cindy Ong and Pandelela Rinong.
Although Syaidattul’s Instagram post did suggest that the 30-year-old ex-national athlete was a victim of sexual harassment similar to her counterparts, she clearly indicated that her perpetrator was not her coach but someone far more unscrupulous.
The respective post (as seen in the picture above) raises a very pertinent question – did the “experience” referred to in the post have anything to do with Syaidattul quitting the national team − and the sport − last year?
Although it is believed that Syaidattul left the sporting world because she wanted to explore new avenues and was looking for a career with brighter prospects, including that of a professional host, some experts were left puzzled by her abrupt exit at the age of 29.
Attempts by The Vibes to reach out to Syaidattul were futile as she did not respond to any calls or WhatsApp text messages pertaining to this matter.
However, when The Vibes contacted National Sports Council (NSC) Disciplinary Board Chairperson Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin, he said that he was aware of Syaidattul’s social media post but to date, no formal report has been made.
“I am surprised with this habit of posting such serious issues on social media and not reporting it to the authorities. It is like a trend now for everyone to use social media to tell their story.
“Sexual harassment is a grave issue, and it should be reported for action to be taken. So please come forward and make a formal report to the police,” said Megat.
“The athletes should trust the system and avoid putting (everything) on social media because it brings up a red flag for others who are not (directly) involved, such as parents of other athletes. They might think ‘oh my god, is this happening to my child?’. This course of action also affects the innocent coaches as well.
“If you are a victim of such disgusting acts, please come forward as your safety is of paramount concern to us. The sports authorities are here to protect the athletes.
“Do not be afraid of anything or anyone. It is time to speak up − not on social media − but through proper channels,” he said.
At the same time, Megat also reminded athletes that the NSC disciplinary board is there to ensure justice is served.
“The victims should trust that the (NSC) disciplinary board will leave no stone unturned in their investigations, but they should understand that if there is no formal report, the board cannot do anything.
“If you don’t make a (formal) report, then it is unfair to say that no action was taken by the authorities,” stressed Megat.
The issue of sexual harassment in the Malaysian sports industry came to light this year when former national swimmer Cindy Ong revealed the ordeal she went through as a result of being sexually abused by her coach.
Diving queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong also spoke up recently against rape jokes and the sexual harassment she experienced at the hands of her former coach in an effort to raise awareness and encourage other victims to speak up, “hoping to encourage (them) to be brave when she wasn’t”. – The Vibes, November 12, 2021
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