KUALA LUMPUR – An independent investigation into the case involving national sprinter Danish Irfan Thamrin is expected to be completed and submitted within the next two weeks, said Malaysian Athletics (MA) disciplinary committee head Datuk Salim Parlan.
Salim said the probe, initiated following a directive from the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), is now at its final stage, with the investigation panel in the process of compiling statements and preparing its report.
The case involving Danish, a member of Malaysia’s 4x100m relay squad at the last SEA Games, drew widespread attention following allegations related to athlete management and selection procedures, prompting public scrutiny and calls for transparency within the national athletics setup.
Following the emergence of the issue, former Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh ordered MA to conduct a thorough investigation, stressing that athlete welfare and fair selection processes must be upheld, and that any findings would be addressed based on proper governance and evidence.
“We have completed taking statements as of January 14, which was the final group we met. At the moment, we are writing the report,” Salim told reporters when met during the MA Athletics Awards at the Royal Lake Club yesterday.
He explained that the investigation panel was set up as an independent fact-finding body and does not carry disciplinary powers, adding that its role is to present findings and recommendations to the relevant authorities.
“This is not a disciplinary authority. This is a free investigation body. There is no punishment involved at this stage. We will report our findings and suggestions,” he said.
Salim said the panel consists of three members, including himself, former Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Faculty of Sports academic Sadiq Mustafa, and former Faculty of Sports member Salwai Ismail, both of whom have backgrounds in athletics management.
“With the assistance of MA president Datuk Karim Ibrahim, I selected two individuals with sports backgrounds to be part of this panel,” he said.
According to Salim, the investigation faced an initial delay after a key witness was uncomfortable providing a statement.
“We received a letter from MA on December 18, but the main witness was not ready to give a statement, so we waited. Eventually, we met Karim on January 6 and proceeded from there,” he said.
He added that once the report is finalised, it will be submitted to MA and subsequently forwarded to KBS for consideration. – February 5, 2026