Nauraj escalated the rift in his reply to a showcause letter from MAF, saying: “The fact that you sent me this (showcause letter) is already mental abuse. I do not respond to bullies because this is exactly what it is to me.”
“You were elected because trust was placed on you to carry out decisions that are best for athletics in Malaysia, not to make decisions that are convenient to you,” he wrote and blasted: “Don’t abuse your authority.”
MAF had asked Nauraj to explain several of his “unscrupulous and defamatory” outbursts on social media following the no-go for the world meet in Belgrade, Serbia, beginning tomorrow.
Germany-based Nauraj, 30, had vented his disappointment towards MAF and questioned the credibility of its management team.
The letter from MAF president SM Muthu specifically mentioned Nauraj’s statements on Instagram, “I am ashamed to represent such a federation” and “I blame all you people who voted for this board of committee”.
In describing Nauraj’s conduct as “disgraceful and unbecoming of a member of the athletics community,” Muthu said the athlete’s remarks sullied the name of MAF and risked eroding public confidence in its management team.
Nauraj is likely to be referred to the disciplinary committee for an inquiry in which, according to Muthu, the MAF has the power to impose penalties for misconduct.
It was learnt an inquiry would only be held after the Hanoi Sea Games in May to enable Nauraj to focus on the competition.
The outcome of the inquiry will decide Nauraj’s participation in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games later this year.
Nauraj was denied a fourth consecutive Sea Games gold medal by teammate Lee Hup Wei in 2019 and finished seventh and 10th at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, respectively, in 2018.
Last month, he declared he was nearing the best form of his career after rewriting the national indoor record twice in four days in Europe.
Nauraj had hoped the indoor season would help him improve his outdoor record of 2.30m, which has stood since 2017.
He felt robbed of an opportunity to compete in Serbia despite being listed as one of the top 12 high jumpers for the world meet.
Nauraj is incensed because he was deprived of prize money, a chance to make the top five in Belgrade, points to boost his world ranking, possible Diamond League appearance and potential sponsor engagements.
Muthu argued MAF only got the nod for Nauraj to compete in the meet on March 9 and there was not enough time to process his visa application.
It takes about a month to process the visa because the Serbian embassy is in Jakarta and not in Malaysia.
MAF said they were not aware Nauraj was a German resident permit holder, allowing him to travel within Europe.
According to Muthu, World Athletics (WA) had initially asked MAF to send one name for the high jump event and Nauraj’s name was submitted.
He said WA later told MAF the high jumper did not qualify and offered options to send athletes in other events.
Long jumper Andre Anura Anuar was selected but he will not be competing in Belgrade as he recently tested positive for Covid-19.