"Why Only Now?" – Sports Minister Asks After Pandelela Brings Up Sexual Harassment Issue
Several opposition leaders criticised the minister for his statement.
By Arisha Rozaidee — 26 Oct 2021, 11:35 AM
Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Faizal Azumu recently questioned Pandelela Rinong's decision to speak up against rape jokes made by her former coach
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.
Several opposition leaders criticised the minister for his statement
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.
Pandelela took to Twitter to assert herself and wrote, "I shared my 'not so nice' experience to give awareness to the public, and support for victims out there, who are always in dilemma, whether to speak up or stay silent"
"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."
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am - 5.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday (7pm - 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am - 11.30am), Saturday (2pm - 4pm)
Contact: +6082-368853
SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm - 12am)
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
On 21 October, the national diving queen recalled a former coach who often made sexually inappropriate jokes during training, and eventually committed rape:
