KUALA LUMPUR: Former national body building champion, Sazali Samad who has been hit with an additional ban of four years is now demanding for justice for himself while claiming that there are wrongdoings happening within the Malaysian Body Building Federation (MBBF).
Even though he is trying hard not to think about the additional ban, the 10-time Mr. Universe claims that the punishment is unfair and of ‘double standards’ because he claims that a few former athletes who were suspended or banned also committed a similar offense but no action was taken against them.
“They say that I am wrong for taking part in the competition in China and according to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) rules and regulations, participation in any form of body building activity is prohibited, but then why are there athletes who were suspended chosen to be judges? Others like me who were banned don’t adhere to WADA’s rules?
“There were those from my team last time, in the police team as well, but no action was taken, in fact some became national coaches and even judges. So why can others be made national coaches?” Sazali questioned.
Earlier, Sazali, 51, had to pay dearly for his controversial action in taking part in the China Sports Show Fearless Bodybuilding Physique & Bikini tournament in Shanghai recently, by having his ban lengthened by another four years earlier today (Thursday).
The decision was made by the Malaysian Body Building Federation’s (MBBF) disciplinary & anti-doping committee, which means that Sazali’s ban will only end on September 22, 2023, instead of September 22, 2019.
“Yes, I am not satisfied with MBBF’s decision, all were waiting for the association’s response . The added another four years to my ban, it is a cruel blow.
“And it’s all because I took part in the competition in China, so there are ‘double standards’, injustice in the decision. When it’s mentioned that I am a body building icon, I end up getting a heavier punishment, and there’s no action taken against others who are equally in the wrong.
“I hope that the sports commissioner, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC), Malaysian Anti-Doping Agency (ADAMAS), and the National Sports Council (NSC) investigate MBBF because there are wrongdoings within,” said Sazali who stressed that he is no longer under MBBF.
