KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPC) has vowed that it will not let the scandal, allegedly involving a foreign para swimming coach, be swept under the carpet.
The coach, reported to be a China national, is alleged to have committed sexual misconduct, verbal and physical abuse as well as extorted her athletes, some of whom were underaged.
Some of the incidents were alleged to have happened at the Paralympic Centre of Excellence in Kampung Pandan.
MPC president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin said he had already filed a police report on the matter.
"We received an email informing us about the case on Tuesday night. We believe it was collectively written by the athletes with guidance from an adult," said Shahriman when contacted today.
"I personally filed a police report the next morning and I was called in to speak to the police later that day.
"Since then, 10 of our athletes had been called in to have their statements recorded. I'm expecting an update from the police on the case in a few days.
"We decided to go to the police first because they are an independent body.
"We want to make sure there is transparency in handling this case, especially as it involves sexual misconduct and criminal element.
"The last thing we want is for this case to be swept under the carpet. I assure you that will not happen, not on my watch."
Shahriman added that MPC will send a letter about the issue to the Youth and Sports Ministry as well as the National Sports Council tomorrow.
"As the coach is contracted under NSC, we will also ask them to separate the coach from the athletes until the investigations are concluded," said Shahriman.
"We will also activate the Safe Sport Code.
"Of course a person is innocent until proven guilty so we will have to let the police do their job. We will do what we have to and follow procedures until there is justice.
"In addition to the police, we will also conduct our own investigation to better understand the case and see how we can improve for the future."
Shahriman admitted that he was outraged when he first learned of the allegations, adding that it seriously damages the reputation of para sports in Malaysia.
"I was shocked, upset and outraged. I was down the whole week, these kids mean everything to me," he said.
"As you can imagine, all the parents were also upset, and many called me to ask if their children were involved.
"I can understand their frustration as I also have a child with special abilities.
"When cases like this happen, it damages our reputation. Parents will not want to send their children for training programmes."