PUTRAJAYA – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has assured that the parade kit for the Malaysian contingent at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony will showcase elegance.
Hannah said she had personally seen the uniform designed by renowned fashion house Rizman Ruzaini, and it will be officially showcased to the public on July 24.
Last month, the Malaysia contingent’s preparations were marred by controversy over the official kit, which did not meet public expectations and received backlash.
The criticism led to the Olympic Council of Malaysia having to quickly change its design.
“The official attire for the parade falls under the purview of the National Sports Council, and this year we have engaged the services of the popular Malaysian designers Rizman Ruzaini,” said Hannah.
“Having such well-known designers create the parade uniforms for the Malaysian contingent will be a source of pride for our athletes during the Olympics’ opening ceremony. Our priority is to showcase Malaysian identity and ensure their comfort. We’re looking forward to the ceremony.
“Yes, I have seen it. It is scheduled to be unveiled on July 24. Personally, I would describe the attire as elegant,” said Hannah after the launching ceremony of the Air Sports Management System app in Putrajaya today.
In addition, Hannah emphasised that all 26 athletes and coaches representing Malaysia at the Paris Olympics would be required to stay at the athletes’ village as a safety precaution.
At present, the Paris Games faces various threats including terrorist conspiracies and bomb plots involving a Russian citizen, as well as far-right extremists and cybersecurity threats.
The host, France, has prepared the athletes’ village in three municipalities located at Saint-Denis, Saint-Ouen and L’Île-Saint-Denis.
“We have held several security briefings with our ambassadors there, and athlete safety is always our top priority. All athletes are required to stay in the athletes’ village,” she added. – July 18, 2024