MUAR: Sports Minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has dismissed rumours that Lee Chong Wei’s withdrawal from the World Championships is linked to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (IMDB) case.
“There’s no such thing. That’s slander… who said that?
“I met Chong Wei at his home on Tuesday morning and he really is having breathing difficulties,” said Syed Saddiq on Sunday.
Rumours have been circulating about former World No 1 Chong Wei’s bank accounts being frozen due to alleged links with 1MDB funds.
“We shouldn’t defame the athletes. Whatever the differences in politics, we should not forget the services of our athletes (Chong Wei included).
“Who said that… can’t they think? They should be rational.
“He is sick... what has it got to do with 1MDB?” said Syed Saddiq.
Chong Wei’s health issue made headlines after BAM confirmed that he was withdrawing from the World Championships in Nanjing, China, which begin on Monday and the Asian Games in Jakarta from August 19-28.
Chong Wei, a three-time Olympic silver medallist, is suffering from a career-threatening injury, and is now in Taiwan for medical treatment. According to a BAM statement last Tuesday, he was facing breathing problems.
Syed Saddiq said Chong Wei is a source of inspiration to Malaysians and he hopes that Chong Wei and his family will remain calm.