Monday, 25 May 2009

OCM elections: Tunku Imran confident of re-election


TIME is of the essence where the contest for the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president post is concerned.

Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar, who is seeking re-election as OCM president, said whoever is elected must be able to spare a significant amount of time which the post demands to be an effective leader.

"Being the president of a national Olympic committee (NOC) is a huge job. It is not just about running the NOC but it also about getting involved in international and domestic events.

"You would be required to take part in various international organisations such as the advisory council of the OCA (Olympic Council of Asia)

"One gets very involved internationally and domestically and you get invited to the many meetings of the members.
"I just hope anyone who is elected has the time to be devoted to the job. I am not only talking of the presidency but to everyone who is standing for a position in OCM," said Tunku Imran after "Squash 2016 Day" festivities at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Tunku Imran is being challenged for the top post by former Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.

Shahidan heads four national associations -- aquatics, athletics, kabbadi and petanque -- besides leading the Perlis state football, athletics and cricket associations, among others.

Tunku Imran, who is also the Malaysian Cricket Association president, welcomes Shahidan's challenge but expressed his confidence of being re-elected.

"OCM is a democracy and anyone can stand for election. It is one of the most democratic institutions and we just have to see who the delegates think should be the next president.

"But I'm very confident of retaining my position.

"I believe most members are still behind me," added Tunku Imran, who succeeded Tan Sri Hamzah Abu Samah as OCM president in 1999.

The May 30 elections will see a contest for posts of president, deputy president, vice presidents (four positions) and assistant secretary (two).

NEW STRAITS TIMES

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