KUALA LUMPUR – The FA of Malaysia (FAM) president, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin’s appointment as the Chef de Mission for the SEA Games 2021 in Hanoi, Vietnam, is something to take note of as he is the first football official to take on this role.
Hamidin joins the list of other notable Chef de Mission in the past such as Datuk Marina Chin (2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur), Datuk Megat Md Omaridin (2019 SEA Games in Philippines) and Tan Sri Norza Zakaria (2015 SEA Games in Singapore).
“I am aware of the responsibility that has been entrusted to me by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) board, but I believe that the only way we can achieve the set goal is to be working together. This includes the OCM, National Sports Council (NSC), sports associations and athletes.
“The cooperation of all parties is needed to bring this contingent to Hanoi in the best possible manner. However, in terms of sports participation, number of athletes and targets, it will be decided later by the Secretariat,” he said during a press conference at the Wisma FAM yesterday.
Meanwhile, Hamidin also took note that the biggest challenge for the Chef de Mission is to know everything about the sports and the sports associations that will be involved in this year’s SEA Games. The Games will be from November 21 to December 2, 2021.
At the same time, he said that he was ready to accept the challenge and learn the ins and outs of each of the 40 sporting events that involve Malaysian athletes.
He said the first step he needs to take is to meet all the representatives from participating sports associations, adding that he also wants to make sure that all the athletes taking part in Hanoi are confident and in high spirits.
Hamidin, unlike other Chef de Missions in the past, will be shouldering the burden brought on by the ill-effects of an unprecedented pandemic at this years’ SEA Games.
“I understand the situation we are in now. We are in challenging times and there a lot of uncertainties faced in preparing this contingent according to the new norms and Special Operating Procedures (SOP) put in place as a result of the pandemic.
“However, I am confident that my experience working with the Health Ministry and the National Security Council to revive football will help me immensely,” he said.
When asked if he could juggle his job as the FAM president, MFL president and now the Chef de Mission to the SEA Games, Hamidin said that he will be allocating his time equally for each role.
OCM president, Norza, said that Hamidin was appointed because of his leadership qualities and for his hands-on qualities when it comes to sports administration. – The Vibes, March 11, 2021.
