KUALA LUMPUR: National weightlifter Erry Hidayat 'would take the same action' in dealing with doping issues if he were the president of the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF).
Three weightlifters tested positive during the pre-Malaysia Games drug screening.
Erry was among a handful of athletes, including Aznil Bidin and Aniq Kasdan, retained after the national squad was disbanded last year by the MWF following a slew of doping cases.
"It is very disappointing. It tarnishes the image of the sport," said Erry.
"Aniq, Aznil and I have tried our best to help clean up the sport. We continued to train (after the team was disbanded), although we did not receive any salary (allowance).
"After all that has happened, I would also take the same action if I were the president (of MWF).
"Weightlifters should always check first before consuming supplements, medicines and diet pills.
"I never leave my drink unattended as you never know what people will do."
MWF decided to ban states which recorded positive tests during the screening from the Malaysia Games.
The National Sports Council (NSC), however, disagreed with MWF's proposal.
MWF subsequently withdrew from handling the event, which caused a one-day delay to the start.
Despite competing in the men's 81kg class instead of his usual Under-73kg division, Erry (Federal Territories) had no difficulty winning the gold after scoring 141kg in the snatch and 170kg in the clean and jerk for a combined 311.
Erry, who had contracted dengue prior to the Commonwealth Games, said he feels closer to his best now.
"I am competing in a higher category because FT have another lifter competing in the Under-73kg class, so I made way for him," said the 23-year-old.
"I feel much better now. I am only a few kilogrammes away from my personal best in the snatch and clean and jerk.
"I am happy to end my Malaysia Games career with a third and final gold."
Erry won gold at the 2018 Perak and 2016 Sarawak Games, albeit in lighter weight classes.
Kedah's Nur Syazwani Radzi bettered the national record en route to the women's Under-64kg title with 191kg (85kg, 106kg).
However, the record may not be recognised due to MWF's absence from the competition.
Perlis' Nurul Anis Abdullah claimed silver on 171kg (76kg, 95kg), while Johor's Qisvena Abdullah finished third with 142kg (60kg, 82kg).
Despite the uncertainty, Syazwani said she was determined to give it her all.
"I am very happy to clinch my first Malaysia Games gold after finishing fourth during the 2018 competition," said the 19-year-old.
"My goal today (yesterday) was to go all out and better my PBs. I did not think about the gold."
NSC disclosed earlier this week that they will try and negotiate with MWF to have any national records during the meet ratified.