KUALA LUMPUR – The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) has pledged to continue its partnership with Limkokwing University in designing more attires for the contingent for future competitions after failing to collaborate for the Paris Paralympics.
It was reported that Limkokwing University signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PCM on March 5 to design the official jersey and attire for the opening ceremony of the upcoming Paralympics.
PCM also signed deals with eight other strategic partners – Asas Arena, Evomania, Mitra Network, Savvy Travel & Tours, Creative Sports Network, Bulb Communique, Scotieg Entertainment, and Percetakan Advanco – on the same day.
The attire designs that were supposed to be designed by Limkokwing University were scheduled to be revealed at the university’s main campus in Cyberjaya, Selangor, in late April this year.
However, with the unveiling not taking place on the scheduled date and with PCM recently collaborating with both the National Sports Council (NSC) and local boutique Nerves Clothing for the attire, there has been criticism from several parties initially involved in designing the attire.
Recently, Chia Yeo Bee Sean, the sister of Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin, shared on her Instagram that she was involved in the Jersi Harimau Project and even designed the jackets for the contingent for the Paris Paralympics, but claimed that PCM quietly aborted it without any explanation.
Speaking to Scoop, PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin revealed that the decision to reject the design was not made by his council but was a collective decision made by NSC.
“Honestly speaking, we all reviewed the designs made by Limkokwing University and their designers who were involved in the Jersi Harimau project such as Chia – and I’m not going to lie, the designs were pretty impressive.
“But the decision to not go with the design was made by NSC and not PCM. I’m not sure why the decision was made, but it was done collectively by NSC.
“We still have an existing MoU with Limkokwing University. Without a doubt, we will be working together more in other multisport events and competitions in the years to come.
“On top of that, I’m not sure why those who worked on the previous attire design were not informed about why their proposals were not selected.
“I need to check with my secretary-general if there was any explanation sent to the previous designers of the attires.
“If no explanation was sent from our side, I’m sorry for the confusion caused, and I will make sure that PCM expedites the explanation letter as soon as possible,” said Megat when contacted.
PCM’s attire unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday at the Paralympic Excellence Centre in Kg Pandan.
In the past, Malaysia won five medals (three golds and two silvers) at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
This year’s Paralympics are scheduled from August 28 to September 8. – July 7, 2024