PUTRAJAYA, 22 FEBRUARY, 2012: The Malaysian Athletics Union (MAU) Anti-Doping Investigation Committee has been requested to expedite its investigation over the doping issue involving national 400m athlete Mohd Yunus Lasaleh and MAU deputy president Datuk Karim Ibrahim. 

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said stern and proper action should be taken against those found guilty to prove to the world that Malaysia was serious in such matters.

He said the action and punishment imposed should also reflect transparency in Malaysia, which has always acted firmly against the use of banned substances among athletes in the country.

"I hope MAU will not consider it as a small matter because the world will see Malaysia as a country that is not transparent and does not act firmly towards eliminating the use of banned substances among athletes," he told reporters after launching the 1Felda Youth-friendly Carnival, here today.

He said if MAU failed to handle the issue properly, it would put Malaysia in bad light in world sports.
 
   
According to Shabery, he had written several letters but so far there had been no response from MAU over the issue. 

However, he said he did not want to interfere in the issue.

"I hope the independent committee will be able to get to the bottom of the matter. If it involves the athlete, MAU should act but if it is because of the association, maybe the Sports Commissioner will have to step in," he said.

Meanwhile, he urged the Malaysia's Young Tigers to show high fighting spirit against Japan in the Olympics qualifying round at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, tonight, even though the "blue samurai" have been touted as football giants in Asia.

- Bernama