Watson, who was visibly upset, told Bernama that the writer had called him over the phone about a bankruptcy notice published in the advertisement section of a local daily yesterday.
“I explained my situation to the journalist, it was supposed to be a conversation between two friends and I never authorised or gave him permission to publish the news, it is a private matter to me and my family and I’m upset and angry that he did not respect my privacy,” he said.
Watson set a Malaysian record of 10.3sec for the 100-metre sprint in 1998 at the national amateur athletics championships. The record still stands.
Speaking to Bernama, accompanied by his wife, Fellizia Michael, he said the writer should have asked his permission since the article would affect his coaching career in terms of sponsorship as well as his credibility.
“First and foremost I wish to clarify again here that, I never allowed the writer to publish the news, yes, we have struggled financially for years but we are not trying to beg for sympathy,” he said.
Watson hoped that it would not affect his Flying Dayak Club which he had set up to coach athletes in the state. Fellizia who shared Watson’s disappointment said they may consider legal action against the writer.
“Two lawyers, one from Limbang and another from Miri called us to offer their services if we needed legal advice. I tried to call and WhatsApp the writer since this morning but he did not answer or reply my message. Is this what you call ethical journalism?” she asked.
She said she and Watson had been trying to supplement their income by selling fruits near shopping malls, selling handmade bags and travelling across the country to conduct coaching clinics in schools, Bernama reported.
The news report earlier today quoted an insolvency notice published in the Borneo Post in which Watson was declared bankrupt.
Watson was also quoted in the report as saying the matter was over a bank loan he had taken to pay for his late father’s medical expenses while he was being treated for cancer. Watson’s father died two years ago.