KUALA LUMPUR – Leaders in the sports industry are responding to sports commissioner Suhardi Alias’ alleged threat to “deregister the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).”
The commissioner’s remarks, recorded in a leaked audio clip from a discussion with esports groups on Tuesday, have ignited a wave of concerns within the sporting community.
In an official statement released today, OCM asserted that the sports commissioner should avoid declaring war on the umbrella body of national sports associations.
Describing the threat as malicious, national sports leaders are demanding a retraction and an apology from Suhardi.
They also underscored the importance of respecting the limits and jurisdiction outlined in the Charter of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which strictly prohibits government interference in the governance of national Olympic committees (NOCs).
Football Association of Malaysia president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin expressed his disappointment with Suhardi’s statement, noting its inconsistency with the philosophy and leadership style of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
“OCM, as the parent body overseeing national sports associations, adheres to its rules and constitution.
“The sports commissioner is like a judge who must be fair to sports associations. It is only appropriate for him to apologise to OCM,” he said.
Badminton Association of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh also weighed in on the issue, urging Suhardi to understand OCM’s role and exercise caution in his statements.
Kenny emphasised the need for detailed investigations before considering action, underscoring the importance of vigilance in making statements, whether in open or closed meetings.
“I hope this serves as a lesson for all government agency officials and national sports association officials, including me.”
Meanwhile, Malaysia Karate Federation president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad called on Suhardi to operate within his jurisdiction and consult OCM before making any threats.
He emphasised the need for a clear understanding of the respective rights and powers of the sports commissioner and the duties and responsibilities of OCM as the national sports umbrella body.
“(His) job is like an attorney-general. Among them is to ensure that associations or clubs registered throughout the country are active and do not just submit annual general meeting reports or annual financial reports.
“He needs to understand the law,” said Nur Azmi.
Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation president Melvin Chia cautioned against the simplicity of deregistering OCM, highlighting the consistent stance of the IOC in defending NOCs from government interference.
Melvin also warned against making statements in open or closed-door meetings that could be misinterpreted.
“We are aware that the IOC is quite consistent in defending all NOCs from any form of government interference.
“So the threat to the existence and function of OCM is of course unacceptable to the world’s governing body.”
Additionally, Malaysian Boxing Federation president Datuk Mohamad Iruan Zulkefli accused Suhardi of overstepping his boundaries, expressing concern over the comparison of OCM to the Israeli government.
Iruan urged the sports commissioner to adopt a guiding and friendly approach rather than arbitrarily threatening to cancel registrations.
Additionally, Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress secretary-general Maradona Chok was surprised by Suhardi’s words and hoped for a resolution to the issue.
“I see the sports commissioner as an enforcer of the Sports Development Act 1997 but he must respect OCM’s position as the body managing the national contingent to all international sports games.”
Yesterday, OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria stated that the council takes the matter seriously and has instructed OCM secretary-general Datuk Nazifuddin Najib to initiate necessary steps for a strong protest if the allegations are proven true. – November 18, 2023