OCM: Philippines pulling out as SEA Games hosts mere speculation
KUALA LUMPUR: Reports of the Philippines withdrawing as hosts of the SEA Games, scheduled from Nov 30 to Dec 11, are mere speculation, said Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria.
He said OCM had contacted the Philippines Olympic Committee (POC) for explanation and were told that they were just speculation, adding that preparations for the biennial Games were coming along smoothly.
According to the Philippines local media reports, the organiser is facing financial problems in addition to being linked with the country’s internal sports leadership conflict.
“However, the POC have given an assurance that preparations for the hosting of the biennial Games are going smoothly,” he told reporters after chairing the OCM executive council meeting at Wisma OCM here yesterday.
On Malaysia’s preparations for the SEA Games, Norza said the independent selection panel chaired by Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan would table proposals for the selection of athletes to the Games at a meeting on April 25.
Norza said OCM would be more flexible in the selection of athletes to Manila as the Games, the biggest at the Asean level, was a platform for young athletes to make their debut on the international stage.
At the meeting, Norza said that several associations were still unclear about their financial allocations and wanted a proper clarification from the National Sports Council (NSC).
“There are some associations still waiting to meet the (Youth and Sports) Minister (Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman).
“I was told that these associations are facing problems regarding allocations to prepare their athletes for the SEA Games,” he said. — Bernama