Indonesian Coach Eng Hian Apologises For Calling Malaysian Shuttlers ‘Black’ And ‘White’
He was overheard calling Malaysian badminton pair Pearly Tan and M Thinaah using racist terms on live television at the French Open.
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Indonesian badminton coach Eng Hian recently found himself in hot water during the French Open championship at Stade Pierre de Coubertin, Paris.
The 45-year-old coach Eng Hian was allegedly overheard referring to Malaysian badminton players Pearly Tan and M Thinaah as “white” and “black” while giving instructions to his shuttlers Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma-Amalia Cahaya Pratiwi during a break.
His remarks went viral online when it was caught live on television during round 16 of the match.
Permintaan maaf Coach Eng Hian terkait penggunaan sebutan 'hitam' dan 'putih' saat Ana/Tiwi melawan Pearly/Thinaah di R16 #FrenchOpen2022 kemarin. pic.twitter.com/cepEkwbkci
— Rubber Game Indonesia (@rubbergameid) October 28, 2022
Eng Hian has since issued a video apology online in Bahasa Indonesia and explained that he had no intention to hurt both Malaysian shuttlers.
With all humility, I apologise to Pearly Tan and M Thinaah. I had no intention at all to upset the Malaysian players. Once again, I apologise for my words from the bottom of my heart.
Indonesian coach Eng Hian
Reactions online regarding the words used to describe the players were split online.
While some criticized the coach for using racist terms, others found the term harmless because it was allegedly acceptable in their country.
A few believed the coach was sincere in his apology and said he used those words because he needed to give quick instructions to his players.
They hoped Malaysians would forgive the coach for his momentarily lapse in judgement.
there’s nothing rude from the start here. Calling black and white is rude in your country, but not here. speaking the local language is common here, but it becomes a problem in your head. He is an apology, what do you want by commenting like this?
— Mrs.dama (@mrs_dama) October 28, 2022
I’m not justifying his act but I hope you will understand that he truly didn’t do it on purpose to insult anyone. We hope that Malaysians accept his apology. He’s actually a good man #FrenchOpen
— Elsa Yolanda (@elsaayolanda) October 28, 2022
Pearly and Thinaah are still in the game
Yesterday, Pearly and Thinaah advanced to the semi-finals of the French Open. The Malaysian pair defeated world number three pair Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida of Japan 15-21, 21-14, 21-14.
Pearly and Thinaah will go against South Koreans Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee today (29 October).
Despite the drama, many Malaysians congratulated Pearly and Thinaah and wished them the best of luck for the coming match.
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