"Why Only Now?" – Sports Minister Asks After Pandelela Brings Up Sexual Harassment Issue

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Free Malaysia Today reported that at the National Anti-Doping Seminar 2021 in Bangi yesterday, 25 October, Ahmad Faizal spoke to reporters and said, "I am trying to understand why after a long time, Lela (Pandelela) wants to put this out in the social media."

"I've started making personal calls as the minister and I have also met with several athletes regarding this issue so I don't think it is appropriate for me to publicise the matter at the moment," he added.

The minister then noted that he would be speaking to Khairy Jamaluddin who oversaw the Ministry of Youth and Sports when the alleged incident took place. He also added that he had spoken to certain people over the matter to get a clearer picture.

Setiawangsa member of Parliament (MP) Nik Nazmi wrote on Twitter, "If only our ministers and deputy ministers listened to the women of Malaysia rather than gaslight them. Now is the time to listen, not ask questions whose answers are obvious."

Meanwhile, Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil said to Malaysiakini, "Faizal's comments are disappointing for a minister in charge of youth and sports. Instead of questioning 'why now', he should really be asking 'who else may be experiencing sexual harassment but may have decided against speaking up because of fear or any other factors'. Does he not take the matter seriously?"

On the other hand, Senator Fadhlina Sidek said she was horrified by the minister's response.

"He has failed the ministry by being in a state of denial. By questioning Pandelela's intentions in bringing up the issue, he's being an enabler of rape culture. He's being permissive and failing to understand the situation and the impact of rape culture happening in the sports industry," she elaborated.

"He should have applauded Pandelela for being brave and bold for speaking up. This is beyond awareness, this is a war against perverts, rape culture, and about protecting our sportsmen and women," she added.

"Most importantly, enablers and their backups shouldn't be glamorised. Others may forget, but not the victim," she added.

Earlier today, 26 October, Ahmad Faizal tweeted, "I am not at all questioning what was brought up by [Pandelela]. What I said was to find out further what happened. This is a very serious matter, we must ensure a safe environment for our athletes at all levels. Lela, I'm with you."

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