Dubbed as “the worst SEA Games ever” after attracting a string of controversies even before the sporting officially begun, it seems that an incident that took place on Tuesday really ruffled Malaysians’ feathers.
A short clip showing Malaysian silat athlete Faizul Nasir competing against Filipino Dines Dumaan in the pencak silat category went viral after Faizul was kicked in the face shortly after he fell to the ground.
The clip sparked nationwide outrage.
The two-time defending champion was clearly in pain while holding his head on the ground but it took some time before the medical team finally approached him for assistance.
Dah jatuh brader tu, disepaknya lagi muka.
— ?? XIريماو (@RimauXI) December 3, 2019
Bukan main kau punya lagak. Bukan main. pic.twitter.com/tn54JCDILM
According to RTM, the medical team, who was stationed by the court, reacted late because they thought that “he’s still capable to compete”.
How late? Let’s just say that even after the jury had declared the winner, Faizul was still on the floor.
In the clip, coaches can be seen shouting at the doctor on duty for her incompetence.
He was taken to the hospital and underwent a CT Scan. Faizul is reportedly conscious and in a stable condition, but he is still under observation.
The distressing incident has attracted the attention of Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq, who said via his Twitter: “Malaysia tidak boleh berdiam diri. Saya telah arahkan pihak Malaysia untuk ambil tindakan dan hantar nota protest. I know you’ve tried your best Faizul. Malaysia is proud of you.”
Malaysia tidak boleh berdiam diri.
— Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) December 4, 2019
Saya telah arahkan pihak Malaysia untuk ambil tindakan dan hantar nota protest.
I know you’ve tried your best Faizul.
Malaysia is proud of you?? https://t.co/porim2MFDN
Here’s what other Malaysians are saying about the controversy:
Not enough with their bad management of sea games 2019, their players of football and silat have a really bad attitude. Shame on you duhh#PrayForFaizul Be safe, Faizul ?✊ https://t.co/ZhfwO4qXIY
— Song ? (@songhyeri_17) December 3, 2019
Lama tu si Faizul dibiarkan terbaring macam tu. Aku taktau apa rules silat tapi common sense kalau dah gitu patutnya terus ada medic attend beliau
— Darwisy Fakhruddin (@Darwisyj_) December 4, 2019
Another example of #SEAGames2019fail
— Nakhoda Ragam نخودا راڬم (@nakhoda_ragam19) December 3, 2019
Medical lambat, peserta dh betul2 xboleh bgun pun dikatanya masih boleh teruskan.....
Seriously, Philippines dh buat bnyk 'dosa' dlm penganjuran kali ini.....
Kenapa pengurusan sukan sea dekat Philippines ni mcm sampah, masa dekat KL ok je, tak ada berat sebelah walaupun malaysia ni tuan rumah.
— nina. (@princenina201) December 3, 2019
nk tunggu mati dlu kot baru nak kabot usung gi hospital haha funny , sukan apa mcmni ? no lies but sepatutnya disqualified but kalau mng pun kau bg apatah lg sukan lain nnt , mentang tuan rumah heh
— blobinom (@dayhhasni) December 3, 2019
First aider sepatutnya mengutamakan pesakit bukannya tuan rumah
— فيزال (@faizalhmd_) December 3, 2019
After football incident Justin Baas shown lack of respect toward Malaysian players.
— Hykal Mahmood ?? (@HykalMahmood) December 4, 2019
Another incident yet again occur yesterday on pencak silat event on Malaysia athlete.
Meanwhile team medical late to react to give full attention or treatment.#SEAGamesfail2019 #SEAGames2019 pic.twitter.com/QJGILcEONx
We hope that justice will prevail for Faizul. You did your best, and you’re still a national hero in our eyes!