AMIDST impressions that Malaysia would be bidding for the 2016 Olympic Games and having failed in bids for the 2006 Asian Games and the 2008 Olympics, the tune sung now is for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010.
But the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) did so reluctantly — their stand being money should be better spent on the development of a strong national contingent rather than hosting the Games.
OCM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar said the last-minute application was made last week after the NSC informed OCM of the Government’s desire to
host the Games.This is despite there already being two other South East Asian cities — Bangkok and Singapore — already submitting their applications.
"Our contention is that 2010 is too close. We submitted the application more to accommodate the Government’s request. For us, we’d rather the money be spent on the development of our athletes," said Tunku Imran.
"The OCM Board had already made a decision much earlier.
"On top of that, the Government had already turned down a proposal to bid for the 2010 Asian Games, so we were surprised at the sudden interest in this Games."
Malaysia had already previously failed in its bids for the 2006 Asian Games, at the final hurdle, and the 2008 Olympics at the first round in which Kuala Lumpur was rated last among the initial candidates.
"There are several stages to go through before we reach the bidding process, and we will leave it to the Government to decide on that since they requested for it," added Tunku Imran.
"The first stage will be a workshop organised by the IOC in Lausanne (Switzerland) on Sept 17-18.
"This is where all candidates will be briefed on what is required to bid and eventually to host the Games."
Tunku Imran, however, denied claims by several parties that an application for Kuala Lumpur to host the 2016 Olympic Games had been made before the Aug 21 closing date.
NST
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