KUALA LUMPUR – Wanita PKR has called for the safety of athletes who voice their abusive experiences to be safeguarded, following the outrageous incident of a volleyball coach slapping two of his underaged players during a match last month.
Urging players who have suffered similar atrocities to come forward and receive assistance from the authorities, the party’s women’s wing said that protective measures should be extended to those who come forward.
“A guarantee of protection to those who speak out about facing similar situations must be given so that these issues are not covered up by any parties,” its legal bureau said in a statement today.
Joining the chorus of criticisms against the coach, Wanita PKR condemned the man for committing criminal acts under Section 232 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to a year, a fine of RM2,000, or both if convicted.
“In fact, Wanita PKR believes that (the coach’s) behaviour is a form of exploiting underaged children.
“A comprehensive probe must be initiated by police, the Youth and Sports Ministry, Education Ministry, as well as other relevant sports organisations so the victims receive their due justice.”
It stressed that the investigation will “teach other coaches a lesson” while ensuring that there is no repeat of such incidents.
“A clear message must be given that physical abuse and violence is not normal and should not be practised by any parties, much less towards children who are supposed to be protected.”
Yesterday, The Vibes reported that two girls from the Melaka U-14 volleyball team were slapped by their coach during the 2022 Malaysia Youth U-14 Volleyball Championship held in Johor.
The incident happened during the third- and fourth-placing match between Melaka and Johor, when the ostensibly upset coach assaulted the two players after they conceded a point to the opposite team.
Following uproar from netizens, the Malaysia Volleyball Association temporarily suspended the coach from any further involvement in the sport.
Addressing the matter, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said in a tweet today that her ministry will be investigating to determine if such severe training methods have long been practised in the volleyball training scene.
The Education Ministry had also said that it will be meeting with the parents of the assaulted girls to obtain further information on the incident.
It is believed that the fate of the coach will be determined this Wednesday, according to Melaka Youth Development, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman V.P. Shanmugam.
He added that the coach’s record should be taken into account as “no complaints about him have been lodged before…the coach is very dedicated and concerned with his players”. - The Vibes, January 2, 2022
