Melaka Volleyball Club Uses U-14 & U-16 Players To Excuse Abusive Coach's Misconduct

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After media reports on the incident drew Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh's attention, the Malaysia Volleyball Association (MAVA) suspended the coach until investigations are completed. However, the coach has found shelter under Melaka executive councillor V P Shanmugam, who downplayed the issue.

Amidst statements from multiple ministries with direct stakes, that came after Malaysians voiced their anger at the coach's abusive behaviour, the Melaka volleyball club has taken to its social media accounts to go out to play in defence of the coach, who is also a primary school teacher.

However, the club is using its players, all of whom are underaged, to defend the coach.

The club posted multiple photos of the players, saying the Under-14 and Under-16 state volleyball team has come forward after "coach Hadee" was criticised by people, including Yeoh.

This is the first time the coach has been identified by his name.

The club, while addressing the coach as cikgu Hadee, stated that he has been training the players since they were young and is responsible for turning an unknown Melaka female team into a respected one.

"That is all because of the deeds of cikgu Hadee and other coaches who sacrificed their time and energy without ever complaining to train us. We are the only ones who had seen, experienced, and felt his hard work," the club said, adding that he didn't take any paycheck until the team created history for Melaka.

According to the club, while the players were disappointed with the coach's action on the day of the incident, however, a single mistake should not overshadow all the good that he has done for the team.

"For everyone's information, this issue has long been resolved. There are no hard feelings from the players or our parents," the club said while asking everyone to stop criticising the coach.

"Netizens are just outsiders and not our family, only we understand our family members. What he did may be wrong, but it is to educate us so that we become better players on the court," the club said.

Speaking up about the issue, Safe Sport Malaysia president Sarina Sundara Rajah urged authorities to take action not just against the coach but also against Melaka Under-14 girls' volleyball team officials.

She pointed out that the video of the assault clearly shows there was another Melaka official present, who was most likely another coach, but he did nothing when coach Hadee slapped the two players.

"He did not confront the coach and essentially allowed it to happen. The expression from the girls, as well as the lack of reaction from the other officials, would suggest that they were already used to this kind of behaviour from the coach. Suspending the coach alone is not enough, these enablers must also be held accountable," New Straits Times quoted Sarina as saying today, 3 January.

"Many of these athletes don't recognise or understand what constitutes harassment and abuse in sports [...] These athletes are socialised into believing they should endure this abusive behaviour, while bystanders, including family members, think they shouldn't interfere. Some may even see this abusive behaviour as 'functional', leading to improved performance," she told The Vibes.