Sportcheck: Tunku Imran -- All not right with OCM

AS the Olympic Council of Malaysia continues to deal with the fallout following its decision to send dropped artistic gymnast Ng Shu Wai for a coaching course, president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar (pic) has admitted all is not right within the organisation. In fact, Tunku Imran agrees that what OCM's needs is to be evaluated, along the same lines as its affiliates who will soon have a ranking system.

"I think it is a good idea for OCM to have its own KPI (Key Performance Indicator). After all, we are playing a role in the national ranking system and it is only fair that we are also evaluated," said Tunku Imran after launching the National Olympic Academy in Wisma OCM yesterday.

OCM's decision to send Shu Wai for a three-month International Olympic Committee Solidarity coaching programme in Hungary has miffed the National Sports Council.

In fact, NSC director general Datuk Zolkples Embong insisted at OCM's board meeting on Tuesday that his objection go on record.
Shu Wai was jointly dropped from the national elite programme by the Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) and NSC after he skipped training for an extended period last year.

Zolkples admitted that he was shocked that OCM had nominated Shu Wai for the course, despite MGF claiming that it had played no part in it.

Tunku Imran admitted this happened due to weaknesses in the OCM administration but steps are being taken to improve operations.

"We are in the midst of restructuring the management but it will take some time. However, this is being done to improve and set higher standards in administration."

As to whether NSC-OCM relations have been affected by the Shu Wai episode, Tunku Imran said:

"I don't think it will disrupt our relationship. NSC had its say but we had the final decision and we decided to give Shu Wai a fair chance.

"We are talking about an athlete's life here. I think the fact that he missed the Korat Sea Games and Beijing Olympics is already a severe enough punishment."

NST