Hashim: Observer flogging report baseless

26/05/1998

SUKOM Ninety Eight yesterday described `as rubbish' an Observer report
that athletes would be flogged if they are tested positive for
recreational drugs such as cannabis and cocaine during the Commonwealth
Games.
Sukom executive chairman Jen (rtd) Tan Sri Hashim Ali said in Kuala
Lumpur the London-based newspaper was ill-informed and there is no truth
in its report.
"There is no law which says that addicts will be whipped. I don't know
what their (Observer's) agenda is. Does he (the writer) want to frighten
the athletes not to come here?" asked Hashim.
The paper quoted Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) secretary David
Dixon and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board director Ahmad Zuhuri in its
report.
"In sports, if you are tested positive for banned drugs, the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) or individual international sports
federation rules prevail. The athlete is stripped of his medal and
suspended," said Hashim.
Expressing shock at the report which appeared in the Observer's May 24
edition and written by Sports Editor Alan Hubbard, Hashim said the writer
has got his facts wrong.
"The Malaysian law is clear. Only those caught or pushing hard drugs
face the mandatory death penalty.
"As far as sport is concerned, the usual punishment is meted out if an
athlete fails a test."
Hashim said in Malaysia, even addicts are not flogged or hanged.
Instead, they are sent to rehabilitation camps.
(END)