The long-running bonus controversy involving Malaysia’s Paris Paralympic medalists is now hopefully coming to an end after local retail giant 99 Speedmart stepped forward to sponsor the remaining RM107,000 owed to the athletes.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh announced at a press conference in Putrajaya that the funds have already been transferred directly to the accounts of all medal-winning athletes, closing the chapter on a dispute that had sparked widespread attention last week.
Original bonus cut by 50%
The controversy first came to light after two-time Paralympic gold medallist Cheah Liek Hou and the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) became embroiled in a public dispute over a RM60,000 reward that was reportedly not paid on time.
The dispute prompted the organisation to threaten him with a ban and possible legal action over his remarks, though the threat was later withdrawn.
The issue widened when PCM president Datuk Seri Megat Shahriman revealed in August last year that three companies had pledged cash rewards for medalists at the Paris Paralympics.
However, after one sponsor withdrew, the council announced last Thursday that it could not honor the full amount.
The bonuses were then slashed by about 50%, leaving gold medalists Cheah Liek Hou (badminton) and Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (powerlifting) with only RM25,000 each, silver medalists Radhiif and Ziyad with RM15,000 each, and bronze medalist Eddy with RM8,000.
99 Speedmart steps in with full support
Responding to the controversy, 99 Speedmart allocated RM107,000 to cover the shortfall.
The company was not one of the original sponsors but decided to act after learning about the issue through media reports.
Hannah Yeoh confirmed that the payments have already been made and expressed hope that this would mark the end of the debate.
With 99 Speedmart’s contribution, all medalists have now received the full RM60,000, RM30,000, and RM15,000 as announced last year. We hope this ends all controversy once and for all,” she said.
