THE father of one of the two teenage students who were slapped by their coach in a recent incident at a volleyball tournament in Kota Tinggi, Johor, has spoken out in support of the coach, saying he had forgiven the teacher’s controversial conduct and hoped the coach will not face any action.

Although the incident led to public outcry condemning the act as being excessive, Abd Halim Bakar, 50, did not think the incident would leave any psychological impact on his daughter.

On the contrary, he saw the coach’s overzealous behaviour as tacit encouragement for the teenager to improve her performance in matches and not to cause harm.

“In that regard, I request that the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Education Ministry not to take action since we have forgiven the sports teacher.

“As for the social media users, we ask that they stop all criticism against the teacher because I don’t think it’s serious and there was no (lasting) injury,” he told reporters in Kampung Melekek, Alor Gajah, today.

He never thought the incident would go viral on social media and catch the attention of the Malaysian Amateur Volleyball Association (Mava) who have since suspended the coach.

Halim added that his family has known the coach for more than five years and hopes that he will be retained based on his competency as a teacher and dedication.

“We hope the parties involved can give the coach a chance by taking into account his meritorious service and the dedication he has poured into volleyball. I believe this episode is nothing more than ‘a jolt for people to wake up from slumber (complacency)’, to raise the spirit,” he said.

Yesterday, Bernama reported that the fate of the coach who has been temporarily suspended by Mava will be determined tomorrow after further investigation.

Malacca youth development, sports and non-governmental organisations committee chairman, V.P. Shanmugam said the suspension was necessary since the coach is under the authority of Mava. – Bernama, January 3, 2023.