KUALA LUMPUR: The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) will appeal to retain one of two gold medals diver Wendy Ng Yan Yee stands to lose.
This was after the national swimmer tested positive for a banned substance at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games in August.
Asum president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said Ng was only tested after winning the women's 3m springboard individual gold medal but not after combining with Nur Dhabitah Sabri to win the 3m springboard synchronised event.
An appeal will be made to the Sea Games Federation to allow Malaysia to retain the synchronised gold medal, he said.
"We want to be fair to everyone and because Wendy was not tested after the synchronised event, we believe the gold medal should not be taken away," said Shahidan at the National Aquatics Centre in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
Ng is expected to be stripped of her individual gold medal after testing positive for banned slimming substance sibutramine but Nur Dhabitah, who won silver in the event, will then be promoted to the gold medal position.
Shahidan said Asum will form an investigation committee to hold a hearing for Ng to present her defence.
"For offences such as this, the World Anti-Doping Agency mandates an automatic two-year ban," said Shahidan.
"But we will hold a hearing to give Wendy a chance to explain her case.
"Any decision recommended by the investigation committee will then be forwarded to the international swimming body FINA."
Shahidan said Asum regrets the doping incident but will stand by Ng during any period of suspension.
"Wendy is a disciplined and hard working diver who has achieved numerous honours for the country," he said.
"Even though we are firmly committed to anti-doping principles, Asum will continue to offer her our support."
Shahidan added that the hearing into Ng's case will be held as soon as possible.