PETALING JAYA, Dec 25 — Sazali Samad’s ex-coach Abdul Halim Budin has made the startling claim the bodybuilder could have been sabotaged by “those who don’t like him”.

“Sazali is a good and humble athlete,” said Abdul Halim, a four-time Mr Malaysia.

“There are people out there who envy him. I’ve not ruled out he has been sabotaged.”

Sazali indirectly acknowledged he was at fault when he decided not to test his B sample after tests conducted by the Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (Adamas) came back positive for a banned supplement on Sept 22. Adamas had conducted the out-of-competition test on Sept 1.

Sazali was apparently unaware the supplement he had taken contained a prohibited substance.

Adamas unit head Nishel Kumar said Sazali could have the mandatory four-year sentence, which the Malaysia Bodybuilding Federation (MBF) announced on Monday, reduced in half if he was able to provide evidence of foul play.

MBF deputy president, Datuk Dr Ahmad Badrus Othman, disclosed the supplement Sazali had consumed was an updated version of one he was already taking and was given to him by a friend.

Sazali has avoided the media since news of the failed test surfaced. Abdul Halim, who coached Sazali for four years until August last year, said it was now up to Sazali to prove he had been a victim of foul play.

“That’s the only way he can reduce the length of a potentially career-ending ban,” he said.

“He has 21 days to appeal. So he should take his time and prove he has been sabotaged.”

Abdul Halim said it was on his mind to visit his ex-charge, but decided to delay the meeting until Sazali had made a statement.

“I really want to see him and give him my support. But I know he’s in distress so I’ll leave him alone so he can rest,” he added.

“Knowing him, Sazali will speak when he’s ready.”