This Sarcastic Note From Cyclist Azizulhasni To Terengganu's MB Is A Winner
National cyclist Azizulhasni Awang could not contain his disappointment with the Terengganu MB.
By Tang Ruxyn — 18 Aug 2016, 05:57 PM
Malaysians woke up to amazing news of national cyclist Azizulhasni Awang emerging as the bronze medallist in the keirin event at the Rio Olympic Games yesterday, 17 August
Against all odds, Azizulhasni made history on the Rio Velodrome as the 28-year-old delivered Malaysia's first ever Olympic Games cycling medal after he finished third in the nail-biting men's Keirin final.
"I gave it my best and I dedicate the bronze to all Malaysians. They have supported me since I was young and I hope I have repaid their faith in me," Azizulhasni was quoted as saying by NST Online.
Azizulhasni, nicknamed 'Pocket Rocketman' because of his small stature, then wrote a lengthy thank you speech on Facebook yesterday evening
From left: Matthijs Buchli (Netherlands), Jason Kenny (Great Britain) and Azizulhasni Awang on the keirin podium.
Image via Getty ImagesAzizulhasni expressed his deepest gratitude for his fans, Malaysians, for their undying support for him and Team Malaysia.
He also paid tribute to his parents, the Youth and Sports Ministry and his coach, the late Rozimi Omar, who passed away last year. The message was both poignant and heartfelt.
But it was his expression of disappointment towards some certain people that grabbed everyone's attention. He pointed out that the Terengganu Menteri Besar (MB) had ignored his quest for victory.
With a hint of sarcasm, Azizulhasni 'thanked' Ahmad Razif for what he claimed was a failure to support him and the country's other Olympic cyclist Fatehah Mustapa despite requests made for the sponsorship of road bicycles for them to train being submitted a year ago.
"Fatehah and I still want to thank you though you refused to help Fatehah and myself, who are both Terengganu-born who have reached the world and Olympic levels," he wrote.
"Thank you for not sponsoring us the ‘Roadbikes’ for us to use in preparation for the Olympic Games despite a proposal being sent about a year prior to the Rio Olympics."
"Thank you too for not giving us any feedback and staying silent when my manager called you. For your knowledge, Fatehah and I who are world and Olympic class athletes have always been overlooked by you. Maybe it is because of the fact that we trained overseas."
Following Azizulhasni's revelation, the Terengganu MB has claimed innocence over the matter
Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman said he is absolutely clueless about the sponsorship application by national track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang for a road bike to prepare for the Olympic Games.
While expressing regret, Ahmad Razif said he had instructed the state Sports Council to carry out an investigation on the matter and would contact the rider personally for clarification.
He even offered his apology if what Azizulhasni wrote on his Facebook account on the matter after winning a bronze medal in the Olympic Games, was indeed true.
"I am not sure...wallahuallam...I do not know who is the manager for Azizulhasni. If there was a mistakes from us, I on behalf of the state government would like to apologise. It is well informed that the state government is really committed in promoting sports," he said.
He went on to say that a big surprise awaits the national hero and he will receive an incentive, like all other Terengganu-born achievers
"I cannot reveal this (secret) until Azizulhasni arrives home. We are eagerly waiting to accord him a hero’s welcome. Preparations are underway now."
"At the same time, the state government will hold a road show with Azizul throughout Terengganu to spur others to excel."
"His name will also be etched in the state museum as a treasure and go down in history as our best athlete ever produced (to date)," he added.
The Terengganu State Sports Council (MNST), on the other hand, has reportedly denied receiving any requests from Azizulhasni in regards to assisting him with the Olympic Games preparations
According to MNST director Ibni Amin Busu, he has never received any form of requests from Azizulhasni let alone be aware of the matter.
"I'm not sure, and to date, I have not seen that application from Azizul. Let me get the rest of the information first," he reportedly told the press after he was asked to comment on the issue yesterday, 17 August.
Earlier yesterday, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that Azizulhasni's request to the Terengganu state government may be a case of an unnoticed proposal
He said Azizulhasni has been getting full support from the sports ministry and Sime Darby, but could have wanted more support, and thus requested Terengganu for assistance.
While admitting that he was unsure of what really transpired, Khairy said that the matter could just be a mere misunderstanding.
"From my interpretation, I believe it is a misunderstanding. I will speak to Azizulhasni and advise him to contact the Menteri Besar's Office. This can be easily resolved and Azizulhasni should not allow it to overshadow what he has achieved in Rio," said Khairy earlier yesterday.
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