Asum to propose not to strip 3m synchronised diving gold amid diver's suspension

KUALA LUMPUR: The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) will apply to the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and the SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) to consider not stripping the 3m synchronised gold medal win in the SEA Games 2017, amid the suspension of diver Wendy Ng Yan Yee, following a doping charge against her.
ASUM president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said this was to be fair to Nur Dhabitah Sabri, the partner of Wendy, who tested positive for Sibutramine, a substance usually found in slimming products.
"ASUM recommends that the revocation of the gold medal should only be for the 3m individual springboard event for Wendy Ng. This is based on the fact that the test taken was after the individual event, and as well to be fair to Dhabitah," he told the media at the National Aquatic Centre at Kuala Lumpur Sports City here today.
Shahidan, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said in accordance with the procedure of handling doping test results, ASUM would conduct investigations and hearings involving the Investigation Committee to be established by ASUM executive council members.
The committee will submit a proposal for a penalty appropriate to the offence committed by Wendy, based on the outcome of the inquiry.
Under the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) rules, a two-year automatic suspension will be imposed on any individual who tests positive for doping but ASUM has the right to consider the appropriate time-frame for the sentence.
Shahidan said any decision from ASUM after hearing the explanation from Wendy Ng will be brought to the International Swimming Federation (FINA).
Commenting further, Shahidan said ASUM was surprised over the news of Wendy Ng failing the doping test, as she was disciplined and free of any controversy.
"ASUM supports WADA's decision, and Wendy will be suspended from any activity until the hearing process is completed. However, she will return to the national squad once the hearing and punishment are settled," he said. — Bernama