‘Don’t turn loss into racial issue’
> MMA fighter urges Malaysians to stay united
PETALING JAYA: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Agilan Thani has urged Malaysians not to turn his loss in the ONE welterweight world championships into a racial issue.
Agilan, who lost in the first round, said his defeat was all down to himself alone and no one else should be blamed for it, especially not the government.
He said many issues had been raised due to his loss, with some even turning it into a racial issue.
He said he had to go on Facebook Live to address the controversy.
“I’m making this video because of the issues on Facebook. For example, there was a post about me saying that I’m an Indian, that’s why the government does not support me,” said the 21-year-old on Saturday night.
He urged the people to stay united and not to make it a racial issue.
“Please do not pull me into this scene, I want to see all the people in Malaysia together,” he said.
By yesterday afternoon, his video had garnered over 22,000 reactions and more than 8,000 likes.
Agilan said many people made comments without understanding his situation.
On the issue of sponsorship, he said it would be difficult for him to receive government help due to the high risk of injury in his sport compared with other sports Malaysians participate in.
Agilan reminded everyone that he identified himself as a Malaysian who was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur.
He pointed out in his video that he trained all sorts of people in the gym; Indians, Chinese, Malays, and even foreigners.
“It’s not fair for people to just come up with words saying ‘Oh, ah, you are an Indian, that’s why the government does not support you’.”
With a bandage on his right eye, he reminded everyone: “We live in Malaysia, people have to be together.”