I spoke up because victims never forget, says Pandelela
Muhammad Amnan Hibrahim
SHAH ALAM- National diving queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong said she spoke up against rape jokes and her experience of sexual harassment involving a former coach to raise awareness and encourage victims to come forward.
“ I shared my “not so nice” experience to give awareness to the public and support for victims out there, who are always in (a) dilemma whether to speak up or stay silent.
“Most importantly, enabler and their backup shouldn’t be glamourised.
“Others may forget but not the victim,” she posted on her Twitter account.
The two-time Olympic medallist added that she supports the #rapejokesisnotfunny campaign, hoping others would be brave enough to speak up on the matter.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu came under fire after he was reported to have downplayed and questioned the timing of Pandelela’s allegations last week.
However, he clarified that he never questioned the diver’s claims, and had only stated that they needed more information on what had happened.
“This is a very serious matter, we must ensure a safe environment for our athletes at all levels.
“Lela, I’m with you,” he said on his Twitter account.
On Oct 21, Pandelela revealed in a tweet that she had to endure seven years of sexual jokes and comments from one of her coaches.
When finally stepped up and told him she had enough of his lewd jokes, he began bullying her. The coach was later charged for the rape of another athlete.
