M’sian Paralympic Council offers apology to Ukrainian contingent over online vitriol

On August 31, national para shot-put athlete Muhammad Ziyad bin Zolkefli’s gold medal gift for Malaysians was for naught after he was disqualified for turning up late.

As such, angry Malaysians took their frustrations out on Ukraine’s Maksym Koval by flooding his Instagram account with negative comments.

Following the fiasco, the Paralympic Council of Malaysia extended an olive branch to the Ukrainian contingent through an official statement today.

Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin, who is also Chef the Mission for the Malaysian contingent, said that he hopes Ukraine would forgive Malaysia for its unruly behavior.

To be frank, I was shocked too by the disqualification, but I believe this incident can be served as a lesson for all of us to learn.

He also emphasised the need to continue fostering good diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Also present was the secretary of Ukraine’s Paralympic Council Madame Olena, who promised to convey Malaysia’s apology to the people of Ukraine.

Cover Images via Facebook/ Paralympic council of Malaysia and KualaLumpurPost

Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh