Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has urged the Paralympic Council Malaysia (MPM) to emulate the Road to Gold (RTG) Committee’s strategy in managing sponsorships and athlete rewards to prevent issues like the one faced by para-athlete Cheah Liek Hou from recurring. Its minister, Hannah Yeoh, highlighted that RTG had taken proactive steps by ensuring all rewards promised by sponsors to athletes were formalized in official contracts before competitions began.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, during the Paris Olympic Games, many companies offered RM1 million and various rewards if athletes won a gold medal. RTG ensured these promises were backed by contracts. Hannah Yeoh now sees a need for the Paralympic Council Malaysia to adopt a similar approach. She made these remarks after officiating the 20th Convocation Ceremony of the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institute (ILKBS).

The issue arose when Cheah accused MPM on social media of failing to deliver a promised RM60,000 cash incentive after his gold medal win at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Hannah Yeoh expressed disagreement with MPM’s handling of the matter, particularly the issuance of a show-cause letter against Cheah. She emphasized that the issue should not be exaggerated or treated as a disciplinary offense when the athlete was simply demanding what had been promised.

Hannah also stressed that athletes like Cheah, who bring glory to the country, should not be penalized for expressing disappointment over delayed or unmet rewards. She stated that promises should be honored, and if not, reasons should be communicated to improve future processes. Hannah reiterated that KBS would not support any suspension or disciplinary action against Cheah and emphasized the need to enhance the current governance system.

In contrast, MPM president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin mentioned the council’s consideration of legal action against Cheah, following his public statement on social media, which allegedly damaged MPM’s credibility and jeopardized future sponsorships. Megat stated that the council might suspend Cheah from participating in future major events.