NEWENHAM TAKES RESPONSIBILITY

He resigns as Podium Programme chief

AFTER the Malaysian contingents came under fire for their tame performances at the Commonwealth Games in April and the recent Asian Games, Tim Newenham stepped down yesterday as Podium Programme director.

A copy of the English-born official’s resignation letter to officials of the National Sports Institute and National Sports Council was signed by NSTP Sport.

Newenham, who was appointed to the post two years ago, stated in the letter that he took full responsibility for Malaysia’s performances in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Newenham said the Malaysian athletes reached their seven-gold target in both the games but it was not enough to meet the Podium Programe’s top 10 target in the medals standing.

“As Podium director, I take responsibility for the performances of athletes on the programme and therefore I have today given my notice of resignation to the Youth and Sport Minister,” Newenham said in the letter.

In his letter, Newenham also listed Malaysia’s successes under the Podium Programme.

These include Malaysia’s unprecedented success at the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2016 Rio Paralympics, apart from producing seven world champions.

Among the stated mission of the Podium Porgramme, which has incurred RM67 million, is to win Malaysia’s first Olympic gold, in 2020 in Tokyo, and to finish top 10 overall in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.