KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A nutritionist linked to Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s doping saga insists she made the right call when the national shuttler consulted her over cordyceps capsules he was taking.
Sources in the National Sports Institute (NSI), however, said Chai Wen Jin’s decision of not informing her superiors about Lee’s supplements could land her in trouble.
An insider who requested anonymity said Chai could be transferred to another department following the fiasco.
“The possibility is there but she must be accorded the right to state her case.
“She believed she made the right call. Let’s review the whole process. It is not right to simply accuse or blame someone.
“Judging by what has been revealed so far and the verdict from the Badminton World Federation doping hearing panel, it is obvious Lee was ill-advised.”
The cordyceps Lee took were reportedly not from NSI and not manufactured by a pharmaceutical company.
It was given by an individual — increasing the risk of contamination.
“Since she (Chai) knew the athlete had been using cordyceps for many years without any problems, she did not find it necessary to have the product tested,” the three-man panel said.
The panel said the capsules were given to Lee by the “wife of a highly influential Malaysian”.
Malay Mail had yesterday reported the woman is believed to be the wife of a former minister.
Responding to a query on the identity of the woman, Lee in a WhatsApp message to the media said: “Yes, I can confirm it is not Datin Seri Rosmah (Mansor).
“However, I am not at liberty to reveal the name of the person. Now that there is an outcome from BWF, I would like to put this episode behind me and focus on regaining my status and bring glory to my country.”
NSI chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz told Malay Mail on Tuesday that Chai had not told him about her discussion with Lee.
Chai’s defenders argued it was impossible to test everything Lee consumed as the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substance “is long”.
“It was not a medicine, it was a supplement. Also, he has been taking it for some time, so it was assumed to be fine. But clearly that was not the case.
“There are now suggestions of ensuring athletes be banned from taking capsules or any powder unless authorised by NSI.”
The source said it was the typical “Asian mentality” of using herbal medicine and supplements to boost energy and rejuvenate.
“Such chemicals can also exist in cooking ingredients. The NSI cannot be expected to test every single thing. Also, contamination can happen anywhere. But we need to be more stringent when it comes to athletes, especially with a big name like Lee.”
