OCM wants to settle disputes

NATIONAL sports associations should approach the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) to resolve internal disputes rather than go to the courts. OCM vice president Datuk Roy Rajasingham said their Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism is available to all 50 members t if they are unable to find a solution to their internal disputes.

"We have had some success in resolving matters afflicting some of our members through the ADR. We urge affiliates to go for mediation first rather than go to the courts as it offers a faster and cheaper alternative," he said after the OCM's 27th annual general assembly at Wisma OCM in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Rajasingham said the ADR has only now been formalised with its inclusion in the OCM's constitution.

"The affected parties can appoint the mediators, which allows for speedy resolution of the disputes."
The general assembly yesterday saw several amendments to OCM's constitution and by-laws passed unanimously to bring them in line with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) charter.

"The changes were necessary to make the constitution and by-laws fully compliant with the IOC charter and as a consequence of developments in the country," said OCM deputy president Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan, who chaired the assembly.

OCM's annual report showed that it is in good financial health although the National Sports Council still owes it RM2.7 million for the national contingent's participation in the 2006 Doha Asian Games and 2007 Korat Sea Games.

Jegathesan also commended the government's decision to raise the incentive for an Olympic gold medal to RM1 million.

"Although there have been mixed reactions, I think the incentive be as a big motivating factor for our athletes."