NSC Apology to Low Wee Wern

Malaysia’s National Sports Council on Tuesday said sorry to squash player Low Wee Wern (right) for any "unpleasant" feelings she may have had as a result of her being dropped from the Podium Program. 

The former women's world No. 5 was amongst the 144 full-time athletes culled by the NSC due to the government's funding cuts. 

Besides the apology, NSC even offered an explanation. 

"Wee Wern's contract as an athlete under the Podium Program ended on December 31, just like the other athletes who were under the same program. Without the allocation in the 2022 Budget by the Finance Ministry, NSC do not have the ability to continue with the same training program, the same benefits and allowances. 

This forced us to re-evaluate and make necessary adjustments to ensure that the best athletes would be retained to tackle the immediate challenges such as the SEA Games in May, the Commonwealth Games in July and the Asian Games in September. 

Consequently, NSC held engagement sessions with squash athletes on December 12 to highlight the expiry of the contract by December 31 and that the offer for 2022 will only be decided during the joint committee meeting on December 17. 

The joint-committee meeting, that was attended by NSC, National Sports Institute, SRAM representative as well as officials from the Olympic Council of Malaysia, collectively decided not to offer a contract to Wee Wern due to the fact that she would require more time to get back to her best and would not be ready for the three games”. 

Still, it's good to know NSC had indicated that they’re willing to discuss future plans with Wee Wern. 

Of course, this episode earned NSC a lot of brickbats – but what’s important is that an apology accompanied by an explanation was given. It’s never too late to say sorry.

Ten-man Gunners frustrated Liverpool in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final at Anfield yesterday.

The Reds couldn’t make their numerical advantage count – in fact, they were a real disappointment. It shows that in the absence of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Jurgen Klopp's side were only mediocre at best. 

And Arsenal deserve huge credit for a disciplined performance that ensures they have every chance of reaching the final. 

What more is there to say? 

The second leg takes place next Thursday. At Emirates Stadium.