KUALA LUMPUR – In the wake of disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct involving a foreign coach and a para-swimmer, Safe Sport Malaysia (SSM) has urged the National Sports Council (NSC) to establish an independent body to ensure a transparent investigation.
On Monday, Scoop reported that a 42-year-old foreign coach was alleged to have forced herself on a male athlete at the Malaysia Paralympic Council premises in Kg Pandan.
While NSC has pledged cooperation with ongoing police investigations and initiated its own investigation, SSM founding president Sarina Sundara Rajah emphasised the necessity for NSC to distance itself from the inquiry to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
“Sport should not police itself. The governance structure needs to be fully detached from sports bodies to ensure confidence among survivors and minimise retaliation risks.
“There remains a confounding gap between the sport system Malaysia aspires to and the one actually in place. We must continue to evolve to meet the growing needs of athletes and the demand for accountability in sport.
“What happens to abuse complaints? How many cases have been filed, resolved, and administratively closed, and how many findings have been reversed or modified on appeal?
“We want to know where gaps exist and where policies and procedures can be strengthened to better protect athletes.
“A delicate balance must be struck between fairness and safety, privacy and transparency, an individual’s desire to compete or coach, and a community’s demand for protection,” she said when contacted.
Sarina, a former national rhythmic gymnast and a vocal advocate for safe sports, stressed the urgency of a comprehensive Safe Sport Act, promoting zero tolerance for abuse while emphasising protection, the duty of care, and the obligation to speak out.
She also said that NSC should employ robust background checks for coaches in their hiring process to prevent future incidents.
“Safe Sport is a system and structure designed to turn the tide on a much-needed safe and sustainable change of culture in sport.
“While the Safe Sport Code is a commendable first step, the existing safeguarding policy must implement measures to ensure greater accountability, compliance, and transparency.
“We have a duty of care to ensure a safe and secure environment for athletes; to do that, it is important to share relevant information. As parents and guardians, do you have information on how coaches are hired, evaluated, and placed in their respective positions?
“When a report of abuse or misconduct is brought to the attention of the relevant sporting authorities, what steps are taken to resolve the issue fairly and efficiently?
“This process should consider the rights of the claimant and the respondent involved in the investigation,” she added.
Highlighting the potential conflicts of interest in investigations, Sarina underscored the necessity of an impartial inquiry, given the inherent power imbalances.
She pointed out that investigations conducted and funded by the same institution with a stake in the outcome lack independence.
The accused foreigner, employed by NSC since 2015, has been coaching para-swimmers in MPC for the past nine years.
MPC President Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin confirmed lodging a police report after receiving an email from the Malaysia Para Swimming Association (MPSA) regarding the alleged misconduct. – February 28, 2024