KUALA LUMPUR - The public, especially netizens, have been requested to refrain from commenting on the issue surrounding Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli at the recent Tokyo Paralympics.
Powerlifting technical delegate at the Games, Kamaruzaman Kadir, said he was worried that if left unchecked, the situation could affect the 31-year-old emotionally.
“There is no doubt that it is fun to comment here and there on this hot issue but it can have a negative impact on Muhammad Ziyad.
"Stop bothering him. Have pity on him and wait until the investigation is completed,” he told Bernama.
On August 31, Muhammad Ziyad was denied the gold medal in the men’s shot put F20 with a world record throw of 17.94m.
He was classified as "Did Not Start (DNS)” following a protest by the Ukrainian team who claimed that Muhammad Ziyad was late in reporting to the waiting room.
The controversy on the seventh day of the prestigious event saw Ukrainian athlete Maksym Koval being announced the gold medal winner with a 17.34m throw.
At the same time he broke the record held by Muhammad Ziyad, 17.29m, which was set at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in London.
On September 3, the Youth and Sports Ministry agreed to launch an internal investigation into the issue.
According to Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, the committee would be under the supervision of the National Sports Council with the involvement of independent members.
Kamaruzaman, who is Malaysian Body Building Federation (MBBF) honorary secretary, also urged the public not to raise the issue of the RM1 million reward, which he described as too sensitive for discussion.
"They are sensitive, so respect their feelings and their family’s feelings," he added.
He opined that the Malaysian contingent should learn from the mistakes and not repeat it in the future. - Bernama, September 11, 2021
