SO soon after national hockey star Hanis Nadiah Onn was suspended indefinitely for making a racist remark during an AR Rahman concert, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has to now turn her attention to former national shuttler Bong Guang Yik who went overboard on his Douyin (TikTok) account.
Through a video clip lasting one minute and 17 seconds uploaded on his TikTok account, Guang Yik who now resides in China as a coach, claimed that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) practiced biased treatment because it was ruled by Malays and that the five-time prayer obligation was among the causes of the badminton governing body’s weakness.
“I have checked with BAM and the National Sports Council, and that he is no longer a national athlete,” Yeoh pointed out in a recent Facebook post. “He (Bong) and was a former BAM trial coat player in 2014 (nine years ago) and currently does not live in Malaysia.”
The Segambut MP further noted that she disagreed with Bong’s social media remarks and strongly condemned any racist and religious disputes that he raised even though he has apologised.
“I believe religious worship never interferes with the performance of athletes and sports. This has never been an issue in Malaysia,” stressed Yeoh.
“I repeat the stance that sports must be free from any elements of racism and politics. All national athletes are a source of inspiration to the society and are advised to be careful with their respective social media content.”
Meanwhile, BAM has also taken further action by sending an official letter of complaint to the Chinese Badminton Association (CBA) to discontinue Bong’s service as a coach at one of the country’s clubs.
“BAM is very disgusted with Bong’s statement issued … There is no room for such comments to be thrown in a society especially in our country and we will tolerate this,” the badminton governing body noted in a statement.
“The association also strongly condemns every form of discrimination and urges CBA to take appropriate action against the individual. Racist individuals should not be hired as coaches in a sport that is loved by millions of people around the world regardless of race and religion.
“BAM and its associates will never accept this individual to be involved in any badminton activities in Malaysia.”
Meanwhile, former world No.1 men’s doubles player Tan Boon Heong also criticised Bong over his conduct.
“If you want to do business, do it the right way. Don’t talk about people’s religion,” he berated in a Facebook post. “If you want to be famous, this is not the way. Respect others please.” – Feb 13, 2023
