Athletes' advocate Hannah criticizes MPM for threatening to suspend Paralympic gold medalist
In a recent turn of events, the Malaysian Paralympic Committee (MPM) has announced that the long-awaited RM60,000 rewards for gold medallist Liek Hou will be distributed today, along with the rewards for other medalists.
Liek Hou, a hardworking athlete who has brought glory to Malaysia on the world stage, took to Instagram on September 12 to voice his frustration that gold medallists were still waiting for their rewards more than a year after the Games. The issue regarding Liek Hou's rewards is not solely in MPM's hands, as any decision on his position is not solely in their control.
The RM88,000 received by MPM will be distributed among the medalists, not just to Liek Hou. Gold medallists, including Liek Hou, will now receive RM25,000 each, silver medallists RM15,000, and bronze medallists RM8,000.
The organization that fulfilled the promise to pay the RM60,000 rewards to Liek Hou is not specified in the provided information. It is worth noting that sponsors support athletes because of their achievements, not just to back the council as an organization.
MPM President Megat D Shahriman Zaharidin has questioned the origin of the RM60,000 figure demanded by Liek Hou. Initially, three companies had pledged support for medal winners, and MPM has now received RM88,000 from one sponsor to be distributed to the athletes. However, the RM60,000 rewards was not received from the initially pledged sponsors, but from one sponsor who provided RM88,000.
Liek Hou did not violate any disciplinary rules but was demanding a RM60,000 cash rewards promised to him a year ago. In response to his public criticism, MPM warned Liek Hou that he could be suspended for his public criticism.
Despite the controversy, Liek Hou remains under the care of the Badminton Association of Malaysia and is fully funded by the National Sports Council. The Malaysian Paralympic Committee encourages all athletes to express their concerns in a constructive manner and to work together for the betterment of Malaysian athletics.
As the payments to the medalists are made today, let us celebrate the achievements of our athletes and look forward to their continued success in future competitions.
