A SEXUAL harassment victim herself, former national gymnast Sarina Sundara Rajah is determined to get the Malaysia Safe Sport Act passed in Parliament.
Sarina has been a staunch proponent of the Safe Sport Act and believes its enactment will better protect Malaysian athletes from being violated by either their fellow athletes, coaches, officials or other persons with ill intent.
The former Commonwealth and Sea Games champion said although there are laws in place to deal with such issues, none are tailored for sports.
"This (if passed) will be the first sports-specific act in the country. There are other acts in place, but they are aimed more towards the workplace," said Sarina.
"One of the reasons such issues have been persistent in sports is because not many people are reporting them (cases).
"This is largely because there is no clear code of conduct to say that this (particular action) is wrong. There has not been sufficient guidance in this regard.
"There has to be legal accountability. There should be an independent body that judges cases and acts as an arbiter.
"Legal action must be taken against offenders, and their names included in an online database (of offenders) easily accessible by the public.
"Once a report is made, action must be taken swiftly. Athletes have to be separated from their abusers within 72 hours to avoid any repercussions.
"Just imagine how an athlete would feel if they made a report against their coach but had to face the same person in training tomorrow.
"There should also be Safe Sport training (courses and workshops) just like what the World Anti-Doping Agency does. It should be made a requirement.
"Coaches, officials, athletes and even parents must attend this as well as subsequent refresher courses to ensure they are well-educated on the matter.
"The Malaysia Safe Sport Act seeks to address sexual abuse of minors and amateur athletes in sports.
"This law has proven effective and has already had a major impact since enacted in the United States in 2017."
Sarina said she was sexually harassed when she was an athlete.
"Usually prior to the big multi-sport events, national athletes from various sports would be gathered together for a (centralised training) camp," said Sarina.
"During these camps, we would be placed together with the older athletes.
"Once, when we were playing a group game, one of these older athletes placed an item on his genitals and asked me to take it.
"I felt that what he did was wrong, but I did not know how to react. I was still a minor at the time."
Although there is an increase in the number of current and former athletes who come forward to tell their stories recently, Sarina said she believes there are plenty more out there who are afraid of speaking up.
"I think more people have started to open up possibly due to the #MeToo movement and the Larry Nassar case. We now see more empowerment in this aspect, though it is still not enough," added Sarina.
Nassar was the former team doctor for the US women's national gymnastics team for almost two decades. During that period, he sexually assaulted over 250 young women and girls.
He was convicted and given a life sentence without parole.
"There are still many who are afraid to speak up about their experiences, and I completely understand why.
"Many athletes are afraid of accusing authority figures because they are afraid of the potential consequences and possible retaliation against them.
"They fear for their future in the team. They fear being ostracised and labelled a trouble maker, and also fear losing sponsorship.
"Anonymity, safety and security are seldom guaranteed when allegations of abuse are reported.
"The power of action and follow-up never lies in the hands of the victim. The abuser often manipulates the system."
Sarina is also the founding principal of the Sarina Rhythmic Gymnastics Club.