Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh instructs a full investigation into sprinter Danish Irfan Tamrin’s withdrawal from the national relay squad.
PUTRAJAYA: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has ordered the National Sports Council (MSN) to investigate the withdrawal of athlete Danish Irfan Tamrin from the national squad.
Yeoh instructed MSN to obtain a full report from Malaysia Athletics (MA) to resolve the issue swiftly, which she views as serious.
“We cannot draw conclusions based solely on social media reports. An investigation is underway,” she said at a press conference on ministry grants.
She stated that appropriate action would be taken if any misconduct is found.
The issue gained attention after online allegations claimed the national sprinter was forced to withdraw from the 4×100 metre relay squad for the SEA Games in Thailand.
Netizens have criticised the move, calling it evidence of cronyism within the sports industry.
Yeoh insisted that all athlete selection must be professional and based strictly on merit.
Decisions must consider factors such as timing, distance and current performance, she added.
“I want to assure parents that athlete selection is based on merit. Otherwise, Malaysia stands to lose,” Yeoh said. – Bernama
