We are OK — Khairy

0

Minister satisfied with disciplinary proceedings in Chong Wei’s doping case

Khairy speaking during the press conference. With him is Lee. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar is hoping for the best outcome in the former badminton world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s doping case.

According to him, Badminton Association Malaysia (BAM) and Lee’s lawyers have presented the best defense possible for the national ace.

“I managed to talk to Chong Wei twice yesterday (Saturday). Once was before the proceeding and the next was after where he (Lee) called me.

“He informed me that the proceeding lasted a few hours and the lawyers had presented their defense and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) disciplinary panel also gave opportunity to the lawyers to do so,” he told a press conference after the launch of the state-level Fit Malaysia which was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem at Padang Merdeka here yesterday.

Khairy said Lee had felt satisfied with the disciplinary hearing and that there was nothing else that can be done but pray for a good outcome for him.

“The lawyers have prepared for the case well and they’ve done their best. We hope there is a good outcome for Chong Wei and even if the decision does not favour him, the penalty will not be too harsh.”

Lee will know his fate in the sport within three weeks after facing a three-member BWF panel over doping allegations in Amsterdam on Saturday.

Meanwhile, commenting on Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s decree for the Selangor state Sukma 2016 contingent to come up with a slogan apart from ‘Kita Lawan’, Khairy agreed with the Sultan that sports should not be politicised.

The Sultan, during the Selangor Sports Award Night last Friday, had remarked that the slogan may appear to be promoting the agenda of a certain political party.

“I agree that the motto should be changed because as minister in charge of youth and sports, I hold to the principle that we cannot politicise sports,” Khairy stressed.

“The athletes and state sports associations in Selangor were very uncomfortable with the slogan chosen by their state government. They (Selangor government) are very stubborn and made all sorts of excuses.

“But now since the Sultan has made a decree on this, it has become very embarassing for them. I would suggest that the Selangor state government learn from this extremely embarassing episode, listen to their ruler and change the slogan,” he added.

Also present at the press conference was Assistant Minister of Sports Datuk Lee Kim Shin.