KUALA LUMPUR – He is one of the few people in the sports industry who would call ‘ A spade a spade’.
That man was Datuk Sieh Kok Chi, who passed away on Saturday at his home in Ampang. He was 83 years old and had suffered from fibrosis.
Kok Chi was cremated today at the Nirvana crematorium in Shah Alam as the sports industry mourns the loss of one of its greatest icons.
The former water polo athlete was instrumental in the development of sports, and his numerous professional contributions had advanced the Olympic movement in Malaysia.
Kok Chi is remembered as a no-nonsense sports administrator who always went by the book.
His honesty and shrewdness earned him huge respect from the sporting community, who perceived him as an individual who never compromised sports for anything else.
Speaking to The Vibes, Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that many people have contributed tremendously to Malaysian sports but Kok Chi would easily be at the very top of the list.
“I have known Kok Chi since I was 15 years old.
“I was doing a project for school about Malaysia hosting the Olympics and had to prepare a mock bid document. I decided to go to OCM to talk to someone.
“Kok Chi did not know me and I was just a school kid. But he sat down with me and guided me through what an Olympic bid would entail. His knowledge was encyclopaedic and he was very passionate, kind and patient. I got an ‘A’ grade for the project,” said the former Youth and Sports Minister.
Khairy added that many years later, they were fated to work together when he became the sports minister.
“I asked him if he remembered our first encounter. He told me he vaguely recalled. Not surprising given the vast number of people seeking his counsel.
“When I was the minister, I continued to lean on him for advice. Sometimes, I would message him privately to seek his views in confidence. He was outspoken and direct.
Despite having disagreements over some matters, Khairy said that he always granted Kok Chi the courtesy and respect he deserved as Malaysian sports’ elder statesman.
“We worked together during Malaysia’s glorious sports era: the best ever Olympics and Paralympics performances, multiple world champions in a single calendar year and the 2017 SEA Games.
“Throughout the success, Kok Chi remained out of the limelight, indefatigable in his role behind the scenes. I will miss him. Malaysian sports will miss him,” said Khairy.
Meanwhile, former speed king Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan told The Vibes that these are very sad times, having unexpectedly lost a good friend just two weeks after losing his brother M. Harichandra in Singapore.
“I have known Kok Chi throughout my entire sporting career from athlete to team doctor to sports administrator.
“We have been close friends and colleagues throughout those times and I have always admired and respected him for how he thought about and acted on his responsibilities.
“He will be sorely missed by all of us”, he said. – The Vibes, July 22, 2022
