KUALA LUMPUR – The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has assured that no alteration was made to the Jalur Gemilang following the controversy surrounding the design of the Malaysian contingent’s official attire.
The official kit was unveiled at The Exchange, TRX during the World Olympic Day celebration on June 23.
OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria emphasised that the logo displaying the Malaysian flag is an integral part of the OCM emblem, which includes the waving flag alongside the five Olympic rings.
“This is not an alteration of the Malaysian flag but a design that adheres strictly to International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines,” stated Norza in a statement today.
“The five-colour version of the rings—blue, yellow, black, green, and red—must be used on a white background. If a different background is used, a monochrome or single-colour version is required.”
As the authoritative body responsible for registering and managing the participation of athletes, coaches, and officials in multi-sport events, Norza said OCM acknowledges the confusion regarding the official attire and takes full responsibility.
He also explained that Yonex has been the official clothing sponsor of the Malaysian contingent since 2014.
“The designs, patterns, and motifs of the attire are updated with each new sponsorship cycle, typically beginning with the SEA Games and concluding with the Olympic Games.
“For example, the design introduced for the Kuala Lumpur 2017 SEA Games was used until the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
“The original intention of the design team was to display a jacket with a theme of gold combined with black, featuring the gold OCM logo.
“This was considered the most accurate symbol reflecting the aspirations of the Malaysian contingent to bring home their first gold medal.
“The gold version of the OCM logo, incorporating the waving flag and the five Olympic rings, complies with IOC guidelines.”
Additionally, Norza stated that after considering feedback from all parties, including the Youth and Sports Ministry, the National Sports Council, and the country’s sports fans, OCM admitted that the design of the official jacket was not well received.
Therefore, OCM has decided to improve the existing design to more clearly symbolise the Harimau motif on the jacket, as well as adjust the OCM logo to honour the Jalur Gemilang.
“OCM will discuss with Yonex to enhance the jacket design, ensuring it symbolises the nation’s status and meets public expectations.
“OCM also appreciates the principle of Youth and Sports Ministry and other government agencies respecting OCM’s position as an independent umbrella body of the National Sports Association, which is not based on profit,” read the statement.
The council also urged all Malaysians to support the national athletes with the same enthusiasm and unity shown in their feedback on the official attire.
The clarification comes in response to the controversy over the necessity of changing the emblem’s colour to gold instead of using the original design.
The attire’s unveiling also faced public backlash for what many saw as a poor gimmick involving a mannequin display. – June 28, 2024