KUALA LUMPUR – Fresh from securing a third consecutive term as president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria has reaffirmed his commitment to driving the association to greater heights.
Speaking after the OCM’s 44th annual general assembly today — where he was returned unopposed for the 2025–2029 term — Norza pledged to overhaul governance, inject fresh energy into leadership, and finally deliver the long-awaited Olympic House within the next three years.
“We want an effective and efficient team because I do not want passengers — we cannot rely solely on the president and deputy,” Norza said.
“We need a large unit comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds. This is crucial to strengthening the Olympic movement in the country. I see this diversity as an exciting and valuable combination.”
The new leadership structure also saw Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf) president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad elected as OCM deputy president, replacing Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, who chose not to defend the post.
Nur Azmi won by a comfortable margin, securing 70 votes to beat Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation (MLBF) president Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz, who received 20 votes.
At the heart of Norza’s vision is the Olympic House, set to be completed within 24 to 36 months.
Located on newly leased land in Bukit Jalil, thanks to collaboration with the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), the facility will finally give OCM a home base worthy of its stature — and, ideally, become a launchpad for broader institutional reform.
Norza was also keen to clarify the OCM’s independence from government bodies.
“The OCM is one of 206 national committees under the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which acts as the governing body and owner of events including the Olympic Games,” he said.
“We are an independent, non-profit organisation. We don’t receive government funding.”
One of Norza’s first moves post-election was to appoint Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali as the new secretary-general, replacing Datuk Nazifuddin Najib.
“Administrative modernisation will be carried out through the new secretary-general, Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali,” he said, citing Nasir’s corporate background and experience as Chef de Mission at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia as key strengths.
“It’s not that the previous secretary wasn’t modern,” he added. “But Datuk Nasir understands OCM’s current needs.”
Norza also used the platform to correct misconceptions — including among stakeholders — about what exactly OCM does.
“We focus on athlete selection, qualifications, logistics, and coordination with the IOC and international sports federations,” he explained.
“We are not in charge of athlete funding. For example, in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, I only serve as deputy — not head.”
The Olympic House and governance reform form just two of four key priorities Norza has lined up for his new term.
Also on the agenda: early preparations for Malaysia’s hosting of the 2027 SEA Games, and boosting Malaysia’s role in regional sports diplomacy, both in Asean and at the broader Asian level.
Norza also reiterated the importance of public engagement with Olympic values through campaigns like Olympic Day, held every year on June 23.
With Thailand reportedly set to feature 50 sports at the 2027 SEA Games — far more than Malaysia’s usual 36 to 40 — financial discipline, he warned, would be key.
“There will be lobbying, there will be pressure. So we need to be ready,” he said. “We must also consider how international federations can help bear some of the cost.”
Throughout the weekend, Norza struck a tone that was equal parts optimistic and pragmatic.
He repeatedly underscored the need for diversity in leadership, clearer governance, and realistic expectations — while acknowledging that the hard part still lies ahead.
“Governance must be solid,” he said. “If not, we’ll end up doing things once, then never again.” — April 19, 2025