Ahmad Faizal on the defensive over Pandelela’s allegation

[ad_1]

KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said he will get a full explanation on the sexual harassment issue revealed by the country’s diving athlete Datuk Pandelela Rinong before taking other measures.

Speaking to Parliament today, he said the government is taking this issue seriously, especially as it involves national athletes and their coaches.

He then blamed the media for taking his remarks out of context where they seemed to claim he wondered why Pandelela only wanted to reveal his experience with his former coach now, when it had happened many years ago. years.

“What I said at the press conference yesterday may have been taken out of context by the media. What I meant is that we need to get further clarification from Pandelela herself and from the people involved in this matter, ”he said.

“I will get a thorough explanation before taking any appropriate action,” he said, responding to Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Ind-Muar) who wanted to know the government’s position on the issue.

Gobind Singh Deo (PH-Puchong) then berated Ahmad Faizal, saying he was unfit to be Minister of Youth and Sports because he failed to support victims of the alleged sexual harassment.

Gobind then added that there is no time limit for a person to file a complaint related to obscene jokes or criminal matters.

“Does this minister know that there is no time limit in criminal law? So if there is a complaint, even if it has been a long time, action must be taken, ”he said.

“And you, as a minister, should lead by example and stand up to support athletes like this in your ministry,” he said,

Ahmad Faizal then responded that he understood that there was no time limit for filing such a complaint, including the case in question, and that he fully agreed with what Gobind said earlier. .

“Action is now being taken and I will try to listen to all parties before giving an explanation, which is what I said at the press conference yesterday. I uploaded the video to my facebook page so everyone can hear what I said, ”he said.

[ad_2]