PCM slams NSC for interfering, Megat frustrated with sports governing body for Paris Paralympics failure

It is also ready to break free from the national council and go independent if interference persists

11:27 AM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) has made it clear that the national contingent’s failure to achieve its gold medal target was due to excessive interference by the National Sports Council (NSC) during the Paris Paralympics.

The governing body is also prepared to move away from dependence on the NSC and operate independently through self-corporate funding if there is further influence in PCM’s decision-making in the future.

Speaking to Scoop from Paris, PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin slammed the NSC officials in the games village for dictating to the contingent and obstructing PCM officials from performing their duties.

Megat also said that PCM should be free from any government agency supervision, similar to other national paralympic councils (NPCs) under the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), if they hope to achieve their goals.

“We failed to meet our medal target because we had two camps within our national contingent: one managed by us and the other by the NSC. This arrangement has been in place for the past three editions of the Paralympics, and I can no longer tolerate NSC’s interference.

“NSC sent 12 officials to Paris, who were actively involved in taking our athletes’ passes for the venues and the games village. In fact, the NSC Paralympic division director even took some items from our PCM staff and did not allow us to do our job. He was constantly discussing matters with the liaison officers in Paris, which fall under our responsibilities. He should not have been involved.

“We cannot continue working with NSC as they always act behind our backs. I have been silent all these years, but I refuse to remain quiet any longer. Our failure in Paris should also be attributed to NSC, as we cannot have two captains in one ship. When there is success, they want to take credit, but when we fail, they want to hide.

“Both the NSC and the Youth and Sports Ministry have no locus standi in IPC or any of the games organised by them. Only the NPC of the country should have a say. We prefer to be an NPC like other countries around the world that are not managed by government agencies,” said Megat when contacted.

At the same time, Megat expressed disappointment with the lack of benefits given to PCM athletes over the years and is ready to stop supplying athletes for future Paralympics.

“I’m frustrated. Despite our hard work over the years, there have been no special programs like Road to Gold for paralympic athletes compared to able-bodied athletes.

“For me, it’s simple: I will not send any athletes for the national team to compete if things do not change. At the end of the day, we, as the NPC under IPC, hold the power to decide whether we want to compete in future Paralympics. All 25 sports associations are under PCM.

“If the NSC and the Youth and Sports Ministry do not take responsibility, we can distance ourselves from them and run the show independently with corporate sponsors. They can establish their own Paralympic council and send teams to tournaments, but we will not register them for the Paralympics. Ultimately, PCM holds the power to decide as an NPC under the IPC on which athletes to send for the Paralympics,” Megat added.

PCM targeted four gold medals at this year’s Paris Paralympics but ended up winning a total of two golds, two silvers, and one bronze.

The two gold medals were won by para badminton ace Cheah Liek Hou in the men’s singles SU5 (physical disability) event and powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin in the men’s 72-kilogram category.

In the past, Malaysia won three gold medals at Rio 2016 and three at Tokyo 2020.

It was reported that Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said a post-assessment of the Malaysian contingent’s performance at the Paris Paralympics will be conducted after the conclusion of the 2024 Le Tour de Langkawi, which will take place from September 29 to October 6. – September 9, 2024

Topics

 

Popular

Petronas staff to be shown the door to make up losses from Petros deal?

Source claims national O&G firm is expected to see 30% revenue loss once agreed formula for natural gas distribution in Sarawak is implemented

Authorities wrong: Activist debunks claims of stray animals in UM cat mutilations

Evidence from a private vet points to deliberate human actions, challenging official accounts and sparking demands for justice

Influencer who recited Quran at Batu Caves accused of sexual misconduct in Netherlands

Abdellatif Ouisa has targeted recently converted, underage Muslim women, alleges Dutch publication

Related