KUALA LUMPUR – There is no bad blood between the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), said its minister Hannah Yeoh.
The matter was clarified by the minister and OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria today before the start of the latter’s executive council meeting at the Malaysia Badminton Academy.
Yeoh said this following reported disputes after Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim had made remarks insinuating corruption within national sports associations.
“There are no issues between the ministry and OCM. I have already stated my intentions as minister and have also listened to what Norza and OCM had to say.
“Both parties want and are fighting for the same thing. The most important thing now is for us to work closely together to further develop our sporting industry,” said Yeoh.
Meanwhile, Norza said to let the past be and move forward for the betterment of the athletes.
“The minister brings a positive impression by being here today, so let us forget what has happened in the few days.
“We should now focus on developing and improving sports in the country and take care of the athlete’s welfare,” said Norza, who is also Badminton Association of Malaysia president.
After Adam’s statement, Norza was among several top heads in the sporting fraternity that slammed the deputy minister’s comments, asking the latter to retract his statement.
Norza added that good governance should not be delayed, especially since there are big tournaments and games in 2023, and the Paris Olympics in 2024.
“We hope that the minister will be with us for the next five years and ensure the agendas are not just for the short term but for the long haul.
“We are not going to pressure her (Yeoh). Moving forward there are going to be healthy dialogues and conversations to ensure that everyone in the community lives in harmony and our sports is brought to greater heights,” he added.
Adam’s comments did not sit well with many in the sporting industry, as Malaysian Athletics Federation president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim had threatened to take action if the deputy minister failed to prove his allegations. – The Vibes, December 20, 2022.
