OLYMPIC Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria today said the attendance of his wife and son – who were photographed sitting with him during the badminton men’s doubles bronze medal match – at the Paris Olympics had been part of his “personal allocation”.
According to reports in The Star, he said they did not come under the team accreditation quota given to each National Olympic Committee (NOC).
“The International Olympic Committee provides additional accreditation cards for the president and secretary-general of each NOC.
“My family is here using this allocation, which only allows them to access VIP seating areas,” he said.
Norza, who is embroiled in a controversy over his family members’ attendance at the Paris Olympics, also confirmed that he would be quitting as Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president.
“Considering all the responses, my feelings right now, I am just going to say that I am resigning soon from BAM, which many people are aware of,” he said.
He said he was doing pro-bono work as president of OCM and BAM and that he did not receive any salary or allowance from either organisation.
“I want to help bring glory and pride to our nation. This attack on my family is unnecessary and my family does not need to go through such scrutiny.
“I hope the next leader can improve the state of badminton affairs in our country,” he said.
The Star also reported BAM administrative director Michelle Chai as saying that all rules had been followed and Norza should not be cyberbullied.
“Just like athletes, officials should also not be cyberbullied. Please understand the issue before making comments. If we don’t like a person, doesn’t mean everything he does is bad.”
Meanwhile, Norza said the team had actually “overachieved” in Paris.
“Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah qualified for the semifinals. Then the mixed doubles pair got to the quarterfinals. Goh Jin Wei didn’t pass the first round because of the tough draw. The teams won two bronzes through Lee Zii Jia (men’s singles) and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles).
“Overall, I’m happy with the performance and we got the two bronzes,” he added. - August 7, 2024.
