Hannah Yeoh Says Coach Saiful's Licence Has Been Revoked For Slapping Volleyball Players
The coach, who is also a teacher, is also banned from conducting any training activities.
By Sadho Ram — 13 Jan 2023, 08:41 AM
Saiful Hadee Amar, the volleyball coach who was caught on camera slapping two under-14 Melaka players, has now lost his coaching licence and is also banned from conducting any training activities
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, at a joint press conference yesterday, 12 January, with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, announced that the Malaysia Volleyball Association (MAVA) made the decision.
According to Yeoh, MAVA took action through its legal and disciplinary committee.
"The coach, who is also a teacher, is not allowed to be a sports trainer anymore, including in a school setting," she said, adding that it is to ensure the safety and well-being of young athletes and schoolchildren.
"We do not have anything personal against the coach or the host organiser. We want this incident to serve as a lesson and a deterrent," the minister said, as reported by New Straits Times.
Saiful held a Level 1 Volleyball Coaching Certificate (Sport Specific) provided by MAVA.
Saiful, as a teacher, will also face action under Rule 4(2)(d) of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993
According to Fadhlina, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has concluded its investigation and studied the report, especially those that involved ethics and affected the image of the teaching profession.
She said in line with the said rule, the state education department can take action against any person who has acted in a manner that was inappropriate, went against regulations, or raised public concern about the safety of students by teachers.
"There is room for Saiful to appeal and we leave it to the department to look into this, including Saiful's representation in the appeal process. The department will determine the most appropriate action," she said.
Ministers Hannah Yeoh and Fadhlina Sidek during a joint press conference at Menara KBS.
Image via Mohd Fadli Hamzah/New Straits TimesBarring Yeoh and Fadhlina, everyone else — from Melaka executive councillor V P Shanmugam to the parents of the two players, including the coach himself — had attempted to excuse the abusive behaviour
While Shanmugam downplayed the incident, one of the players' fathers forgave the coach, saying that he does not see "what the big deal is. For me, this is nothing. The action (of slapping) is normal".
The coach, who later held a press conference to say that he regretted his action, justified the act as it would fire their spirit and motivate them in each match".
However, Yeoh and Fadhlina refused to sweep the issue under the rug, saying that their ministries will not tolerate such incidences, especially in their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes.
