KUALA LUMPUR: The public, especially netizens, are asked to refrain from giving any comments on the issue surrounding Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli at the recent Tokyo Paralympics.
Powerlifting technical delegate at the Games Kamaruzaman Kadir said he was worried that if left unchecked, the situation could affect the 31-year-old athlete's emotions.
"There is no doubt that it is fun to comment here and there on this hot issue but it can have a negative impact on Muhammad Ziyad.
"Stop bothering him. Have a pity on him and wait until the investigation into the issue is completed," he told Bernama.
On Aug 31, Muhammad Ziyad was denied the gold medal in the men's shot put F20 with a recorded throw of 17.94m, which was also a new world record.
He was classified as "Did Not Start (DNS)" following a protest by the Ukrainian team who claimed that Muhammad Ziyad was late in reporting to the waiting room before the event took place.
The controversy on the seventh day of the prestigious event saw Ukrainian athlete Maksym Koval being announced as the gold medal winner with a 17.34m throw.
He also simultaneously broke the record held by Muhammad Ziyad, namely, 17.29 m which the latter had set at the 2017 London Paralympics Athletics Championship.
On Sept 3, the Youth and Sports Ministry agreed to launch an internal investigation into the cancellation of Muhammad Ziyad's participation and victory at the prestigious Games.
According to Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, the committee would be under the supervision of the National Sports Council with the involvement of independent members.
Kamaruzaman, who is Malaysian Body Building Federation (MBBF) honorary secretary also urged the public not to raise the issue of the RM1 million reward, which he described as too sensitive to be discussed.
"They are sensitive, so respect their feelings and their family's feelings," he added.
He opined that the Malaysian contingent should learn from the mistakes and hoped that they would not happen again in the future.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Sep 11 2021
Powerlifting technical delegate at the Games Kamaruzaman Kadir said he was worried that if left unchecked, the situation could affect Ziyad's (photo) emotions - BERNAMA Pic
China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.
Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.
Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.
Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.
UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.
Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.
More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.
Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.
Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg "[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream")
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.
Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.
Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.
US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.
Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.
Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.
China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.
Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.
Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot
A total of 34 people were charged, including several military officials.
Trump and Musk target tax enforcers, rocket scientists, bank regulators for job cuts
Concerns grow over transparency, oversight, and Musk's influence on government operations.