KUALA LUMPUR – The Youth and Sports Ministry has accepted the apology from sports equipment brand Victor over the Jalur Gemilang blunder involving Malaysia’s men’s singles star Lee Zii Jia during the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou last week.
However, minister Hannah Yeoh implied that it would be up to other ministries to decide if further action should be taken.
Speaking to the media at the ministry’s office today, Hannah said the apology issued by Victor on December 11, following Zii Jia’s first Group A match against Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen, was sufficient.
“With regard to the flag issue, an apology has been made, and I know Zii Jia had no intention of shaming the country that way. That’s why I’ve accepted the apology,” she said.
“However, we want team managers and all athletes to take this seriously to ensure such incidents are not repeated,” Hannah added.
Following the incident, Hannah announced that the ministry, through the National Sports Council (NSC), will draft a dress code of ethics for athletes regarding the proper use of the Jalur Gemilang on their competition attire.
Meanwhile, earlier, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil described the incident, which saw the Malaysian flag on Zii Jia’s jersey printed upside down, as a grave mistake and a glaring oversight.
Fahmi also stated that he would leave it to the authorities to act if an investigation is opened.
When asked whether other ministries might pursue the case further, Hannah responded briefly: “I believe you’re quoting Fahmi, so you can ask him.” – December 19, 2024