KUALA LUMPUR – The National Sports Council (NSC) is ready to provide any form of support or protection services to victims of sexual harassment.
The most recent one would be the national mountain bike rider who lodged a police report against her coach over sexual harassment during training recently.
Speaking with The Vibes, Safe Sport Code safeguarding officer Melissa Akhir said it was the first case NSC received since the Safe Sport Code came into effect last month.
Melissa added the case was reported to the Misconduct and Protection in Sport Committee, which is being managed by NSC’s Malaysian Athlete Career and Education (MACE).
“As a safeguarding officer, I am currently checking on the athlete’s well-being and immediate protection.
“We are also getting her consent should she require any support or protection services so as to respect her privacy and confidentiality too, while the allegation is being investigated.
“I cannot divulge any more information while the investigation is ongoing as I do not wish to add pressure to what she is going through.
“We are double-checking on the Safe Sports Code and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act on privacy and media reporting matters so that all is above board and respectful of the law and complainant’s rights,” said Melissa.
Melissa, a former deputy public prosecutor, assured that the investigation process will be in accordance with Malaysian law, in which case the Safe Sport Code must be read together with the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and as stated in the amended Sports Development Act 1997.
However, she added that lodging a police report is not a prerequisite for victims because they have the right to complain directly to MACE or inform authorities immediately within their own sports.
She also noted that making sure the alleged victim feels safe and supported throughout the process is equally important so as not to cause her or any other victims to be traumatised.
“If there is a criminal investigation, we will be more than happy to cooperate with police.
“We are supporting the athlete in all other aspects, including providing emotional support through counselling to prevent retraumatisation. It is important to help the athlete feel safe and overcome the feeling of being in danger or fear of being harmed.
“We have also spoken with MNCF and they have indicated that they are making improvements. We will be monitoring them to ensure that these improvements are carried out as they have already signed the Safe Sport pledge.
“Other than that, we are in the process of mainstreaming the Safe Sport Code amongst all other national sports associations because it is still new,” she added.
On Friday, MNCF vice-president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill confirmed with The Vibes that the alleged victim lodged a police report last week.
Following that, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh told the media on Saturday that the coach linked to the sexual harassment case has resigned.
She assured that the investigation into the matter will continue to be carried out nevertheless.
The ministry had also activated protective officers in NSC in line with the Safe Sports Code and will monitor the investigation of the case. – The Vibes, April 3, 2023
