December 7, 2025
World
World
LOS ANGELES, Dec 7 — Spectacular lava fountains burst from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano on Saturday, US volcanologists said, nearly a year after one of the world’s most active volcanoes began its latest eruptive phase.
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 — The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) has pledged greater transparency in handling incentives for athletes, following governance concerns raised by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in the controversy involving para badminton star Cheah Liek Hou.
In a statement today, PCM said its president, Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin, had engaged directly with MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki to provide clarification. The council reaffirmed its commitment to the Corruption-Free Pledge signed with 23 National Para Sports Associations in November 2021.
During the 4th National Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Research Conference 2025 in Sepang last Friday, Azam pointed out that poor governance and a lack of transparency were central to the issue. He said weak communication and policy execution could cause confusion and frustration among athletes.
The dispute erupted after Cheah, who won gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, claimed PCM failed to deliver the RM60,000 reward promised by its sponsors, voicing his dissatisfaction on social media. Media reports noted that Megat D Shahriman had previously announced the incentive, sponsored by three companies, to motivate athletes ahead of the Games.
However, delays in payment sparked a public row, with PCM initially weighing legal action and suspension against Cheah. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh later clarified that no suspension would be imposed, as the matter involved an unsettled sponsorship pledge rather than disciplinary misconduct.
PCM also thanked the ministry for sharing the Road To Gold (RTG) sponsorship template, which will now be used as a reference to ensure future pledges are properly documented. The council added that while sponsorship agreements are managed according to procedure, unexpected developments such as sponsor withdrawals may occur, and in such cases all stakeholders would be promptly informed. — Bernama
