DIVER IDENTITY TO BE REVEALED
Asum president says under Wada regulations it can only be done after B sample testing
MOHD KHAIRIE KHALID khairie@bh.com.my
AMATEUR Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim confirmed yesterday that the diver who failed a doping test at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games in August, tested positive for the banned substance sibutramine.
Shahidan said the national body have already contacted the athlete, who requested the Sea Games Federation (SEAGF) anti-doping committee to test her B sample.
“The Asum discipline panel met (yesterday) to discuss two matters linked to the national diving squad.
“The first case involves an Asum athlete who was part of the Malaysian contingent at the KL Games that failed a dope test.
“Asum have been notified by the Olympic Council of Malaysia as the athlete tested positive for the banned substance sibutramine. We have spoken to the athlete, who now wants to have the B sample tested,” said Shahidan after chairing an Asum meeting at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Shahidan added that in line with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations, the athlete’s identity will only be revealed after the B sample testing.
The national body will only act after the SEAGF decide on the next course of action.
Shahidan said Asum will not take action, for now, on the alleged rape case involving a national coach and his trainee, as it is still under police investigation.
“Asum agree with our sports minister’s (Khairy Jamaluddin’s) statement to support and cooperate with the Royal Malaysian Police in their investigation.
Asum have also decided to relieve the coach and the athlete involved from all national duties and sports programmes until the case is over.
“Asum also fully support the initiative of the sports ministry to form a special task force to deal with sexual-related cases in the national sports programmes.
“The ministry through the NSC (National Sports Council) have decided to suspend the coach until investigations are complete.”
It is learnt that the coach, a Chinaborn permanent resident, allegedly committed the crime at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil on Sept 26.