PUTRAJAYA, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Paralympic badminton champion Cheah Liek Hou said he does not regret speaking out on the reward issue involving the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM), stressing that he was fighting for the rights of all para athletes.
The two-time Paralympic men’s singles SU5 (physical impairment) gold medallist said his action was not only to protect his own rights but also those of fellow athletes and juniors.
“If I don't voice this out, these things will happen to maybe my juniors or up-and-coming para athletes again and again.
“So, for me, I will try my best to represent all the para athletes to voice out and solve all the problems,” he told a press conference here today.
He expressed hope that the issue would not recur and suggested that all sports bodies and athletes use the Road To Gold sponsorship template to ensure that rewards promised by sponsors are formally documented.
Earlier, the 38-year-old player, together with national powerlifting ace Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, each received a top-up reward of RM35,000 from retail chain 99 Speed Mart Sdn Bhd for their gold medal wins at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Liek Hou said that with today’s additional contribution, he has effectively received the RM60,000 promised by PCM earlier, after already receiving RM25,000 from the council.
Recently, Liek Hou sparked controversy after claiming that PCM had failed to fulfil its RM60,000 cash reward promise for his Paris 2024 triumph, expressing his disappointment on social media.
At the same press conference, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the issue is now considered settled after 99 Speed Mart stepped in with the top-up rewards.
-- BERNAMA
