KUALA LUMPUR: The National Sports Council (NSC) and the Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) have slammed discus thrower Irfan Shamsuddin for his attack on Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman on Instagram.
Both NSC and MAF, in separate statements released today, did their best to distance Saddiq from the allegations hurled by Irfan, which they branded inaccurate.
NSC director general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail did not mince his words as he listed the reasons why a new coach had yet to be appointed for Irfan as well as why his training camp budget had yet to be approved.
"I, as NSC director general, take full responsibility for the allegations by Irfan and that all decisions made had nothing to do with Saddiq," said Shapawi.
"The decisions were made by the athletics working committee who met on Jan 15. The meeting was attended by MAF president Datuk Karim Ibrahim, athletics head coach Zainal Abas as well as representatives from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), National Sports Institute (NSI), Education Ministry and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
"The decision to not offer Frantisek Petrovic (Irfan’s former coach) a new contract was made through a discussion among NSC, NSI, OCM and MAF via the athletes and coaches selection committee (Dec 5).
"It was based on Irfan's performance throughout last year, especially the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
"In addition to that, Irfan himself had also requested it (new coach) as he felt that he has been with the same for coach for too long.
"As he did not want to offend the coach (Petrovic), Irfan asked NSC to take action. Irfan himself went to Europe in November to find a new coach.
"If he did not agree with NSC to not extend his personal coach's contract, then why was he in such a rush to find a replacement, even using his own money to do it.
"NSC and MAF had suggested to Irfan that he should train under foreign coach Cik Gu Yuan, who is a throws (lontaran) coach from China, together with the other athletes. He did not agree to this.
"On Jan 7, he submitted a request to NSC and MAF to train in Europe and one candidate (to replace Petrovic) — Imrich Bugar from Czech Republic who is 64-years-old.
"The working committee, despite the short notice, went through his request and suggested that MAF discuss with Irfan regarding the coach's (Bugar) ability and track record as if hired, the coach would have to train Irfan as well as a number of other athletes."
Shapawi added that Irfan did not submit adequate supporting paperwork required for his training camp request to be approved.
Irfan had requested an 85 day camp, from Jan 23-April 17, in Prague, Czech Republic and Antalya, Turkey.
"The working committee considered MAF's views that it is currently winter in Europe and that a few aspects had to be discussed again with the head coach (Zainal).
"There was no complete information regarding the training centre which was to be used during the winter season. There was also no detailed training programme - scope of training, coach who would be conducting programme as well as availability of medical and sports science support.
"There was also no official letter from the parties in Czech Republic and Turkey – be it an association or athletics club - who could confirm they would be willing to receive Irfan as a trainee.
"All that was submitted by Irfan was a piece of paper stating his financial requirements which he requested from NSC and MAF and also a brief CV of Bugar."
"Thus the working committee had decided that MAF, Karim in particular, conduct further discussions with Irfan. I myself had sent a text message to Irfan highlighting this, so did MAF.
"Unfortunately without have the chance to discuss things, Irfan had already come out with the allegations. It is even more disappointing that they were aimed at the minister."
Shapawi advised athletes not to take advantage of NSC's 'soft' stance in developing athletes.
Karim echoed's Shapawi's sentiments in regards to Irfan but went a step further, requesting the latter to retract his allegations.
"MAF deeply regret what happened and hope Irfan will be patient in obtaining what he wants," said Karim.
"All decisions must be made collectively together with all the stakeholders. MAF apologises and takes responsibility for Irfan's actions.
"MAF hope that Irfan will retract his allegations and discuss with MAF again so a proposal can be re-submitted to the athletics working committee for their consideration."
Both Shapawi and Karim highlighted high jumper Nauraj Singh Randhawa as an example to follow.
Nauraj secured his own sponsors to fund a training camp he is attending in Leipzig, Germany (Jan 8-Feb 17), during which he will also compete in a number of meets in Europe.