Bronze medallist posts sarcastic ‘thank you’ to Terengganu MB

PETALING JAYA: Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang took a jab at Terengganu Mentri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman on social media.

In his Facebook comment thanking the Mentri Besar "for not helping", Azizul said the state government did not give him a helping hand during his training and ignored his request for a bicycle.

Azizul posted on Facebook his feelings of gratitude to a number of people for supporting his cycling career, including his parents, his wife, his two daughters and his Australian coach.

However, the portion of his thank-you note aimed at the Mentri Besar was dripping with sarcasm as Azizul thanked him for doing little to help him and his fellow Olympic cyclist Fatehah Mustapa in their preparations for the Olympic Games.

“To Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Razif, Fatehah and I still wish to express our thanks even though you did not help Fatehah and I, two Terengganu natives, who are competing at the world and Olympic levels.

“Thank you for not purchasing a ‘RoadBike’ for us to use in our preparations for the Olympic Games even though we had sent a proposal about a year before the Rio Olympics.

“Thank you for not providing feedback and for keeping silent while my manager contacted you.

“For your information, Fatehah and I are world-class and Olympic level athletes who you have always overlooked,” said Azizul.

The 28-year-old, commonly referred to as the ‘Pocket Rocket Man’ by his peers, took the bronze medal at the keirin event at the Rio Olympics.

He added that perhaps they were overlooked because they trained overseas.

Azizul said he hoped his remarks would be taken in a positive light and would be an ‘eye opener’ for all those who should have played a part in supporting the Olympic athletes.

“Regardless of what happens, we are still proud to be to born and bred in Terengganu,” he said.

Ahmad Razif on Wednesday announced that Azizul would receive a hero’s welcome when he arrives home and that his name will be carved as Terengganu’s most successful sportsman at the state museum.

The Mentri Besar added that the cyclist would be receiving other incentives though he did not reveal what exactly they were.