PUTRAJAYA – Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican regretted the action of several quarters who tried to implicate the death of national recurve archer, Allahyarham Mohd Haziq Kamarudin with the intake of Covid-19 vaccine.
The Minister of Youth and Sports said that those who spread such allegations are irresponsible.
“I implore everyone not to spread unverified news. I, along with 242 athletes, including Allahyarham Haziq also took the same vaccine.
“Give some space to the hospital for autopsy and do not create any inappropriate speculations,” he said in a Facebook post.
He asked everyone to respect the feelings of Haziq’s family as they are going through a grievous time, especially when they are celebrating the second day of Aidilfitri.
He also said that the ministry will make an announcement if there is any development on Haziq’s death.
In an official statement earlier, Reezal recorded his condolences on the demise of the calibre athlete.
“It is heart wrenching to see the faces of his wife, Shahira and family who were shocked by the demise of Allahyarham on the second of Syawal.
“He was one of the senior athlete from the Malaysian contingent who had brought the country’s name to London in 2012 and Rio 2016. He was also a gold medal contributor in SEA Games and bronze medal in 2018 Archery World Cup in Salt Lake City.
“He was also in the midst of preparation to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games through the 2021 Hyundai World Cup Archery Championship, Stage 3 and the Final Olympic Qualification Tournament on 16 June 2021 in France,” he said.
“This is tough times for the family and I hope that we will always lend them our sympathy and empathy.
“Truly, this is a great loss to all of us. Nevertheless, we accept Allah’s will,” he said. –MalaysiaGazette
