KBS Takes Responsibility for ‘Communication Breakdown’ Over Azizulhasni’s LA28 Campaign

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 1 — The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) has acknowledged operational gaps and a communication breakdown that sparked public controversy regarding national track cycling icon Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang’s qualification campaign for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28).

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari stated today that the ministry takes full responsibility for the miscommunication and will implement measures to ensure similar lapses between athletes, the National Sports Council (MSN), and national sports associations do not recur.

“If there is a ‘communication breakdown’ or mistakes in terms of communication, we take responsibility for it and want to ensure that such things do not happen again. Good communication between MSN, the athlete and the association is very important to prevent any controversy or confusion in society,” Taufiq said during a press conference at Menara KBS.

Taufiq clarified that the decision to support the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist’s LA28 campaign had already been finalized during an MSN Board meeting on Aug 13 following his directive to evaluate the matter. MSN subsequently dispatched the formal offer letter two days ago, and KBS received confirmation yesterday that Azizulhasni had accepted the terms to continue representing the national squad.

The clarification follows days of public speculation after Azizulhasni published a nine-page Instagram statement last Friday seeking clear answers from KBS and MSN regarding his future. While MSN denied claims of neglecting the veteran cyclist on Saturday, Azizulhasni posted a video yesterday confirming he had received the official offer and would move forward with his LA28 bid.

Moving forward, KBS, MSN, the National Sports Institute (ISN), and the national cycling body will conduct joint coordination sessions to determine the precise technical and financial support required for his preparations. A key early milestone in his qualification campaign will be the UCI Track World Championships in Shanghai this October. To prevent future disputes, Taufiq added that he will initiate a series of town hall sessions with national athletes to identify and address operational issues more rapidly.

–NMT