SOME OTHER CHALLENGES HIGHLIGHTED BY KOK CHI

1. The 1997 Sports Development Act should be amended.

2. The transformation of Malaysian sports into an industry has not been achieved despite all the hype. RM6 million was spent on a study by the University of Stirling but only one report has come out of it.

3. The sports development model of Malaysia has not changed very much since the 1950s. The NSAs are established under the state-federal system and the State Sports Associations (SSA) have become very weak as a result of too strong a centralised role of the Federal Government. Most SSAs are no longer motivated to develop their athletes because of lack of funds and ownership of the athletes they train.

4. It is wrong for the Sports Commissioner’s office to impose on NSAs to form District Sports Associations. This would lead to elections of office bearers at three levels instead of the existing two. Finally, the elected office bearers would be the same people who will now hold office at district, state and national levels.

5. Unlike in the past, office bearers are focusing more on minor matters, such as overseas trips, allowances etc, than sports development.

6. Lack of development by NSAs. The NSAs are the roots of the big tree called OCM. If the roots die, the tree will also die. Many of the office bearers do not seem to understand this.

7. Too many Games. OCM participated in only four multi-sports events — the Olympic, Asian, Commonwealth and SEA Games — in the past. Today, OCM are involved in 12 events every four years, with the addition of at least five Youth Games and the Asian Indoor Games, the Asian Beach Games and the Islamic Solidarity Games. Imagine the money spent.

8. The NSC Act is being amended to include provisions for them to solicit and source sponsors from private firms and GLCs. This would be a big threat to OCM and the NSAs. Unfortunately, no one seems to be worried.

9. Lack of communication between NSC and OCM. While OCM are represented in the executive board and council and all our plans are discussed in a transparent manner, the same cannot be said of NSC. Although OCM have representatives in the NSC management board, nothing is reported to OCM.

10. OCM’s lack of a role in Sukma (Malaysian Games). OCM established Sukma in 1986 and in 1988, it was changed to athletes under-21 years. However, since NSC took over in 1990, OCM’s role has been reduced to just being the technical organisers.