Bigger offenders should not be let off with just a slap on the wrist

THE year started on the wrong foot for Malaysian volleyball – or should I say the “wrong hand”.

A coach in Melaka slapped two girls during the Under-14 Junior Volleyball Championships on Dec 16 after his team conceded points to Johor in the bronze medal playoff.

The coach was seen hitting his players during a break and the incident went viral.

The outrage was loud.

Many organisations, some of whom we have never even heard of before, joined in the bandwagon to condemn the act.

One thing is for sure. It is wrong to slap, smack or strike anyone – boy or girl – whether in public or private.

The Youth and Sports Ministry and the Education Ministry, who usually act in silos, came together determined to find out if this was a one-off case or just part of an abuse that has been going on for a long time.

Chastened, the coach apologised to all, including the girls and their parents. The Malaysian Volleyball Association (Mava) suspended him from all related activities but the girls’ parents have forgiven him and are not pressing charges.

So far, everything right seems to have been done to solve this issue. I am sure this will serve as a grim lesson for the coach.

But he is only a small fish that got caught in the net (in this case internet). Many big ones have slipped through scot-free or, at worst, with a slap on the wrist.

Just before the year ended, Malaysia Rugby was rocked with a scandal when a greedy official stole money meant for the athletes by manipulating the system.

The amount was never disclosed but it is learnt that it is huge.

Where was the commotion? Who was the official? Has he been tracked down?

Why has he not been exposed and taken to the courts?

Have our enforcement agencies stepped up to help the association get their money back?

One good thing that came out of that incident was Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh’s stand. She wants accountability from every national sports association on the funding received.

However, saying it is one thing, but carrying it out is another.

There needs to be political will. I am sure most national sports associations will be happy to show their accounts if they have nothing to hide.

Then, there was a death at the racing track at Dato Sagor in Perak last week. A workshop operator who was watching the race was hit by a racing car.

Was it just a freak accident? Were safety standards adhered to? The racing track has not closed as it has been deemed safe.

A life has been lost – does anyone care?

Elsewhere, fans of football are singing the blues.

Only 59,000 tickets have been sold for today’s first leg semi-final match of the AFF Mitsubishi Cup between Harimau Malaya and Thailand at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil as 21,000 seats have taken up by singer Jay Chou’s concert stage.

The 59,000 tickets have been snapped up and the fans are moaning over the concert that has deprived them of 21,000 seats.

The Football Association of Malaysia may also want to consider offering tickets for sale through multiple platforms instead of just one, which often faces high traffic issues.

The additional fees that the seller slaps as service charge see ticket prices going up, even as the minister tries to keep them down.

Our systems can be better, our way of dealing with athletes can be better, our safety measures can be better, and the way we run our sports can be more transparent and professional.

Whether it is a small or big issue – the same degree of attention and urgency as given to the volleyball coach has to be given to others.

The slapping though has to stop. It’s just not right.