KUALA LUMPUR – The latest official attire for the national contingent to various sporting events has been developed with consideration of modern design concepts despite facing certain constraints, said Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) secretary-general Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib.
He said the selection of the new official attire was made after discussions between OCM and sponsors, taking into account several factors including costs.
“We are subject to what sponsors can provide under certain limitations, and it also depends on the budget.
“If we want the best or premium quality, cost becomes a factor for the sponsors to consider.
“This is not an allocation from the government or money from anyone but a contribution from sponsors,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.
Nazifuddin added that the new design will be used for the first time in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and OCM will gather feedback from stakeholders, athletes and sports officials regarding their reactions to the attire.
“For now, this official attire will be used by the contingent to Paris but the attire for the opening ceremony will be different.
“This official attire is specifically to be used during the Games during transit to competition venues,” he said.
Earlier today, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh clarified on X that the new official attire for the national contingent launched yesterday is outside the jurisdiction of her ministry and the National Sports Council (NSC).
“The official attire for Malaysia’s contingent to various sporting events falls under OCM’s responsibility. This is a result of collaboration between Yonex and OCM and it is outside the jurisdiction of the Sports Ministry or NSC,” wrote Hannah.
Yesterday, the official attire for the national contingent to various sporting events – including collared shirts, t-shirts, and jackets – was introduced during the Olympic Day celebration at a shopping centre here.
However, many sports enthusiasts on social media expressed dissatisfaction with the design, claiming it was outdated and lacked inspiration compared to previous official attires worn by the national contingent.
The Paris Olympics is scheduled from July 26 to August 11. – June 24, 2024