KUALA LUMPUR – The National Sports Council (NSC) has confirmed that it is investigating an alleged sexual misconduct case involving a foreign coach and a paralympic swimmer.
Previously, Scoop reported that a 42-year-old national coach from China was alleged to have forced herself on a male athlete at the MPC premises in Kg Pandan.
NSC emphasised its full compliance with the ongoing police investigations.
“The allegation of misconduct was received by NSC last week, and the committee has immediately started an investigation, including interviewing the parties related to the case.
“We have also provided full cooperation with the police who have also opened their investigation into this matter. Additionally, we are adopting friendly approaches to conducting the investigations with the para-athletes while also protecting the privacy of those involved.
“The Sports Protection Officer authorised under the Safe Sports Code has also taken the necessary steps to carry out the investigation.
“NSC is ready to take firm action, including immediate contract termination if anyone is found guilty,” read the statement.
The governing body responsible for hiring coaches for MPC denied ever receiving any complaints from the Paralympic Council about the swimming coach’s previous alleged misconduct towards 10 para-athletes.
The coach was hired by NSC in 2015 and has been coaching all the para-swimmers in MPC for competitions over the past nine years.
“We would like to emphasise that NSC has never received reports or complaints from any athletes regarding sexual misconduct by coaches prior to this latest complaint. The allegation that NSC is trying to cover up or ignore reports that have been made is baseless.
“NSC upholds and enforces all the rules in the Safe Sports Code and always strives to create a safe environment for all athletes who are part of the programme.
“Comprehensive measures to take care of the safety and welfare of the athletes under the NSC programs were also emphasised, including providing an escort officer for athletes competing in various tournaments abroad starting last year,” the statement added. – February 27, 2024