OCM welcomes national dancesport associations to apply for membership

KUALA LUMPUR – The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) today welcomes any national dancesport associations to apply for membership with the council.

Its president Tan Sri Norza Mohamad Zakaria, however, said that interested national dancesport associations must be affiliated with a recognised international federation, namely the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF).

“After our meeting today, we will be open to accepting their applications. 

“As long as they are recognised by the international body, we will process it accordingly,” he told a press conference after the OCM Executive Council Meeting at Akademi Badminton Malaysia today.

The decision comes after OCM terminated the membership of its affiliate, Malaysian Dance Sport Berhad (MDSB), in accordance with its constitutional provisions.

Norza said it was because MDSB had lost its recognition from the world governing body, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF).

Under article 24.2 of the OCM Constitution, affiliates face losing their membership status if they no longer become members of their respective world governing body.

“There is a dancesport body that has already been recognised by the international body.

“I do not think there is an issue there (to become a member of OCM) because it is just passing from one organisation to another in terms of running up as the governing body in Malaysia,” he added

Norza was referring to the Malaysia DanceSport Federation (MYDF), the only dancesport association registered with WDSF.

Meanwhile, MYDF deputy president John Fam said they have submitted their application to be a member of OCM about 11 months ago but have yet to receive any approval. 

“Right now, the ball is in OCM’s court whether they want to accept our application or not. 

“I guess, we will just wait,” he said when contacted by The Vibes.

On another matter, Norza said the winners of the Road to Asian Games (RDAG) Program: E-Sports competition will be selected to represent Malaysia in the regional level RDAG competition for the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games in September, where esports is included as an official medal event for the first time.

When commenting about the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Norza said the OCM Selection Committee has confirmed the selection of 107 athletes – 69 men and 38 women – and 44 officers – 33 men and 11 women – as members of the Malaysian contingent. – The Vibes, June 25, 2022