PETALING JAYA: Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang took a jab at Terengganu Mentri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman on social media.
In his Facebook comment thanking the Mentri Besar “for not helping”, Azizul said the state government did not give him a helping hand during his training and ignored his request for a bicycle.
Azizul posted on Facebook his feelings of gratitude to a number of people for supporting his cycling career, including his parents, his wife, his two daughters and his Australian coach.
However, the portion of his thank-you note aimed at the Mentri Besar was dripping with sarcasm as Azizul thanked him for doing little to help him and his fellow Olympic cyclist Fatehah Mustapa in their preparations for the Olympic Games.
“To Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Razif, Fatehah and I still wish to express our thanks even though you did not help Fatehah and I, two Terengganu natives, who are competing at the world and Olympic levels.
“Thank you for not purchasing a ‘RoadBike’ for us to use in our preparations for the Olympic Games even though we had sent a proposal about a year before the Rio Olympics.
“Thank you for not providing feedback and for keeping silent while my manager contacted you.
“For your information, Fatehah and I are world-class and Olympic level athletes who you have always overlooked,” said Azizul.
The 28-year-old, commonly referred to as the ‘Pocket Rocket Man’ by his peers, took the bronze medal at the keirin event at the Rio Olympics.
He added that perhaps they were overlooked because they trained overseas.
Azizul said he hoped his remarks would be taken in a positive light and would be an ‘eye opener’ for all those who should have played a part in supporting the Olympic athletes.
“Regardless of what happens, we are still proud to be to born and bred in Terengganu,” he said.
Ahmad Razif on Wednesday announced that Azizul would receive a hero’s welcome when he arrives home and that his name will be carved as Terengganu’s most successful sportsman at the state museum.
The Mentri Besar added that the cyclist would be receiving other incentives though he did not reveal what exactly they were.
Terengganu govt to look into Azizul’s complaints
Mentri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman has instructed the state sports council and executive councillor for youth and sports Datuk Rozi Mamat to look into Olympic bronze medallist Azizul Hasni Awang’s Facebook rant that has gone viral.
“I am not aware of any demand (made by Azizul). We will look into the matter and if there was any such demand and he was overlooked, then I, on behalf of the state government will apologise for it,” Ahmad Razif said Wednesday.
“We will also need to hear Azizul’s side of the story, as we all know there have been too many fake accounts created,” he told reporters.
MB promises Azizul a hero’s welcome
Azizul Hasni Awang will receive a hero’s welcome when he arrives home, and his name will be carved as Terengganu’s most successful sportsman at the state museum here, said Ahmad Razif.
That’s not all, Ahmad Razif said, adding that Azizul will receive other incentives which are yet to be announced.
“Like all other athletes who have shone in the international arena, Azizul too will receive honours for making Terengganu and Malaysia proud.
“We are also planning to have a roadshow with Azizul across the state for him to share his experience and raise the spirit of other young athletes in Terengganu,” said Ahmad Razif.
He said the state government takes sports seriously and a substantial sum has been set aside for football, cycling and hockey.
