LETTERS: I refer to the reports titled "Protection for athletes" and "Ex-national swimmer recounts horror of abuse during camp" (NST, March 19).
Just imagine how daunting it is for the victim and his peers even though the sexual assault and abuse took place 30 years ago.
At that time, there was no whistleblower law or safety precautions to handle sexual harassment cases.
It is good to see former national gymnast Sarina Sundara Rajah urging parliamentarians to get the Malaysia Safe Sports Act passed. No one having bad intentions should be spared — athletes, coaches and officials.
A few months ago netizens and social activists voiced dissatisfaction with the youth and sports minister, who had questioned why two-time Olympic medallist Datuk Pandelela Rinong raised "old stories" of sexual harassment, abuse and rape.
The minister should have talked with Pandelela to get a clearer picture of the whole matter. There is no time limit to raising this issue.
Once the Malaysia Safe Sports Act is passed, all athletes, coaches and officials in national and state sports associations must get to know the rules, the counselling aspect and how to handle sensitive cases professionally and confidentially.
We have had enough of sexist remarks thrown at our sportspeople.
There should be no more excuses. The youth and sports minister must demonstrate his mettle in resolving sexual harassment, doping and bullying.
C. SATHASIVAM SITHERAVELLU
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times