CHEF de Mission Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin has denied an allegation that shot putter Ziyad Zolkefli was late to the Paralympic competition venue by 28 minutes in Tokyo on Tuesday.
Shahriman said the allegation reported in a local newspaper on Friday, which quoted a source from the national contingent, was inaccurate.
"I am refuting the report. The story given by the source is irresponsible," he said.
Shahriman said the source should be more responsible as inaccurate statements could affect the investigation process.
Ziyad was disqualified from the shot put F20 event (intellectual impairment) event at the Tokyo Paralympics after reporting to the call room three minutes late.
However, his coach Faizol Harun claimed Ziyad was on time but was denied entry at first by an assistant referee.
Ziyad was allowed to compete under appeal but was later disqualified.
Shahriman, also the Paralympic Council of Malaysia president, said the media could contact him for further clarification over the issue.
Ukraine Maksym Koval won the event with a throw of 17.34m.
The Youth and Sports Ministry have set up an inquiry committee to investigate the matter. -- Bernama