THE Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (Adamas) have, unfortunately, lost their voice in their fight against drug use.
The National Anti-Doping Organisation, which was set up in 2007, have been told not to make statements to the media anymore. In the past, they were free to do so.
An Adamas official claimed that currently only Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is allowed to give statements regarding doping issues.
“Unfortunately, we are unable to give statements. Only, the minister can (issue statements),” said the official.
This restriction is without doubt a step backwards in the battle against doping.
United States Anti-Doping Agency and United Kingdom Anti-Doping heads Travis Tygart and Nicole Sapstead are both vocal figures in the fight against doping.
Adamas are led by director Azura Abidin and senior deputy director Nishel Kumar.
For the record, Malaysia still face doping issues in sport. The most recent case concerns a 17-year-old male sprinter who tested positive for the anabolic steroids methasterone and oxymetholone at the National Closed Championships in August.