KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu clarified that he did not deny or question claims by Olympian Datuk Pandelela Rinong over sexual harassment incidents involving athletes.
He said he instead wanted more information on what actually transpired.
"Action is being taken... in my response in a recent press conference, (I said) I am taking action, I want to hear from all parties before giving an explanation.
"I have posted this on my Facebook for all to hear what I want to say.
"In this regard, I must defend Pandelela and any athlete, as well as any of our youth that have made our country proud," he said in the Dewan Rakyat, in response to a supplementary question from Gobind Singh Deo (Pakatan Harapan-Puchong) who asked about Ahmad Faizal's statement on sexual harassment claims involving athletes from Pandelela.
Pandelela had recently revealed that she got bullied by a former coach after she confronted him over his lewd jokes, before the individual went on to rape a national diver some years back. However, she did not mention any names.
Although the Youth and Sports Minister urged national athletes to speak up over any form of sexual harassment, he said he was also trying to understand why Pandelela wanted raised the issue, which happened a long time ago.
Ahmad Faizal said he agreed that sexual harassment was a big issue that must be given attention.
"I very much agree to what is being said by Yang Berhormat and I understand that there is no time frame for such a crime," he added.
Earlier, former Youth and Sports Minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Independent- Muar) had also asked Ahmad Faizal's stand on the matter and the setting up of the Ministry High Committee on Sexual Harassment of Athletes.
Responding to that, Ahmad Faizal explained both his and the government's serious stance on tackling sexual harassment of athletes.
"We must protect our athletes from sexual harassment involving officers, coaches or anyone.
"I have explained in my press conference but maybe it was taken out of context. We must get a more detailed explanation from Pandelela and others who have been victims of lewd jokes."
He added that as long as he held the position of Youth and Sports Minister, he would not allow such things to continue.
"A thorough investigation must be carried out so our athletes and children are not exposed to such situations.
"The issue of training according to gender in all sports must be prioritised, and I urge all athletes that have become victims to stand up and voice out," he added.