KUALA LUMPUR – Less than two weeks after the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) faced criticism over the design of the national contingent’s attire for the Paris Olympics, the governing body is once again garnering negative attention.
This time, their collaboration with sports shoe company Skechers gained backlash from Malaysians due to the company’s open support for Israel.
Skechers will sponsor the Malaysian contingent competing in Paris by providing three pairs of shoes per person, with the total value of the sponsorship amounting to RM194,290.
However, the Malaysian public’s reception of this collaboration has not been favourable, with questions raised about OCM’s decision to partner with an international company which openly supports Israel.
OCM secretary-general Datuk Nazifuddin Najib clarified that sports should be free from any agenda, and this collaboration aims to provide comfort and advantages for Malaysian athletes competing in Paris.
Currently, several international companies and brands that support or have ties with Israel, which is illegally occupying Palestine, are being boycotted.
“We see Skechers as a party willing to sponsor our athletes and collaborate with the OCM. In sports, we do not see any issues and remain neutral.
“We will strive to secure sponsorships that can provide advantages to our athletes to the best of our ability. This effort comes from the OCM staff who want to give the best to our athletes, so I hope we view this matter positively rather than seeking faults,” said Nazifuddin to Scoop.
Last week, OCM faced heavy criticism after the design of the attire for the Malaysian contingent to Paris was deemed unappealing.
Moreover, the unveiling ceremony for the attire, held at a shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur, was also carried out in a mediocre fashion.
Hence, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) was forced to overhaul the design of the attire for the Malaysian contingent to Paris, reverting to the original identity featuring tiger stripes. – July 4, 2024