Monday May 13, 2013
Athletes should have freedom to express grievances
I AGREE with Zaiton Othman’s request that athletes must have freedom to express their opinions or grievances about the state of affairs in their respective sports, “Zaiton: Athletes must be given freedom of speech” (Sunday Star, May 12).
Her personal experience as an exemplary athlete giving opinions during her time attracted the attention of the then long-serving MAAU president Tun Ghazali Shafie, who would then summon officials concerned for an immediate inquiry and to rectify the shortcomings.
No athlete would want to lie on such an occasion!
I am disappointed that many present day sports association officials are very negative in their attitude when they only want to hear positive stories of their respective sports.
Zaiton’s views must be extended to coaches and other officials as well.
National soccer team coach K. Rajagopal’s recent comments should have been immediately responded to by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) with a comment that it was a point to be noted and they would refer it to the relevant committee.
The FAM has been too severe and unjust with their crippling of state presidents over their fair comments which should have been debated in their council.
An official should only be punished if he had lied.
Genuine difficulties expressed by athletes or officials must be sympathetically considered and investigated.
He or she should not be punished unless he has given a false report.
Leaders should not hide behind a protective shield of rules.
The sports bodies are answerable to the public because their funds are public funds.
DATUK A. VAITHILINGAM
Petaling Jaya
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