KUALA LUMPUR: Weightlifting team manager Amirul Hamizan has stepped down from his position amid criticism over Aniq Kasdan's near-miss for a medal at the Paris Olympics.
Amirul announced his resignation after returning from Paris with Aniq at KLIA, Sepang, on Saturday, stating that he had informed Malaysian Weightlifting Federation president Datuk Ayub Rahmat of his decision even before the Olympics.
"I have been managing Aniq for almost a year now, and I told Ayub I want to take a break. This will also allow new faces to take charge of the national team," said Amirul.
Amirul's decision comes in the wake of accusations from national weightlifting coach Sukri Anani, who blamed Amirul for Aniq's failure to secure a medal in the men's 61kg event.
Aniq was just one kilogram short of the bronze medal, which went to Hampton Morris of the United States.
Sukri claimed that Amirul's interference in determining the weights Aniq attempted during the competition cost Malaysia a podium finish.
In response to the accusations, Amirul defended his strategy, explaining that their focus was on nullifying the threat by Thai silver medallist Theerapong Silachai.
"The US athlete (Hampton) still had two lifts, and he's the world record holder in the clean & jerk.
"Even if we had led him, he could have increased his weight at any time, and the outcome would have been the same," said Amirul.
Amirul added that his role as team manager was voluntary, and he had not been receiving payment for his services, nor did he seek any.
"I can't do this job full-time because I have other business commitments. Now, I just want to take some time away from the sport."