KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita PKR has urged related parties to conduct an investigation of the two students allegedly slapped by their volleyball coach during a tournament in Johor recently.
The division, through its legal bureau, said it views the incident seriously and deemed the matter as unscrupulous towards minors.
"Wanita PKR is seriously looking into the matter and condemns the action, which is a criminal offence under Section 323 of the Penal Code.
"An independent and thorough investigation must be conducted by the police, including the Sports and Youth Minister, the Education Minister as well as related sports organisations.
"This is to ensure the victims get justice, and for other coaches to learn from the incident," it said in a statement today.
It added that the investigation was imperative to avoid similar situations again.
"Violence and physical abuse is an inappropriate practice that should not be done by any party, especially towards underaged children who should be getting support and protection.
"Wanita PKR urges players who have been in the same situation to come forward and seek help from relevant authorities.
"Guaranteed protection should be provided to the victims, so similar issues won't be covered up by any party," it said.
The clip, which has been making its rounds on social media, showed a coach of the Melaka under-14 girls' volleyball team slapping two of his teenage players during the Under-14 Junior Volleyball Championship in Kota Tinggi. The competition took place between Dec 14 and 16.
The coach's action earned the wrath of many people, including Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
"This is wrong," Yeoh tweeted in response to a report by a local news portal.
Yeoh also said she had spoken with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and they were both gathering more information on the incident.