Mae Chen avoids diving into 'murky waters'

KUALA LUMPUR: Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) secretary-general Mae Chen has brushed aside allegations made against the sport, and refused to wade further into the issue.

She also declined to help clear the “murky waters” into which her divers have jumped into.

Timesport had reported that: “Prima donnas of Malaysian diving are destroying the great legacy left behind by former national coach Yang Zhuliang since his controversial departure.”

The Chinesese coach’s contract was not renewed after it expired in December, 2017 following complaints by several divers in the national squad.

Timesport also reported: “Many top China coaches are now hesitant to accept offers in Malaysia due to the issue that has led to the removal of Zhuliang.

“A source told NST Sport that Zhuliang was a victim of circumstances and he was ousted for being too strict with the “superstars” in the national team. These prima donnas, it seems, just did not want to continue training hard for success.”

Mae took a deep breath before going into defensive mode.

“Yes, I read the (Timesport) report and it was written without any facts or figures and so it is a baseless story.

“If that’s what the people think and the public believe, let it be. I don’t like to be quoted in the press (on issues like this).”

When pressed further for facts and figures in relation to the story, Mae said: “No, No. I’m not going to provide facts or figures to counter this story. Let it be.”

Timesport also wrote: “A close friend of Zhuliang claimed that the coach, who still visits Kuala Lumpur regularly, will only return if the “superstar divers” are not around anymore and that the concerned parties give him undivided support.

“Evidently, Zhuliang is still passionate about Malaysian diving. He wants to contribute to the sport here but he does not want to return if things do not improve.”

When Zhuliang was contacted on social media yesterday, he was in two minds about returning.

“I am in Australia with my family doing business. Some NSC (National Sports Council) people called me and asked me to come back, I am not sure, and have yet to decide,” said Zhuliang.

Diving is one of the sports targeted to win Malaysia’s first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020, but it looks like it’s a shallow dream as long as divers are dictating the terms, not the coaches.