KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim believes the recent tit for tat between Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) can be resolved amicably.
Two weeks ago, an audio clip, which heard Suhardi threatening to deregister OCM went viral, causing havoc within the sports fraternity.
It is believed that the audio clip was from a meeting between Suhardi and the Malaysia Electronic Sports Governance Association (MEGA).
The issue kicked off a series of “verbal wars” between the commissioner and the OCM, in which the ministry had to intervene and moderate the problem between the two parties.
Adam said that the meeting has not happened yet, but there is a lot that needs to be discussed.
“That is why minister Hannah Yeoh has asked the Malaysia Electronic Sports Federation (MESF) to have a discussion with OCM relating to who is the governing body when it comes to sending teams to a multi-sports event.
“There should be some understanding between the esports governing body and OCM as it is under the purview of the Olympic body.
“If there is no understanding between both parties, it will make it difficult for the National Sports Council to provide support,” he said at the Send Off event for Malaysia’s representatives to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M5 World Championship at the Parliament’s Multipurpose Hall here, today.
The deputy minister is hopeful the outcome from the discussions will be good despite the tensions between Suhardi and OCM.
“We know there are legal provisions, especially under the powers of the Sports Commissioner so there is a way out.
“All parties involved need to sit down together and we will initiate a more comprehensive discussion between all stakeholders be it MESF, the Sports Commissioner, OCM or MEGA to find the best solution for all,” he said. – November 27, 2023