OCM Olympic delegation not funded by government, says sports council

The National Sports Council said it only covered the costs of athletes, coaches, MSN officials, the National Sports Institute and the activities of the ‘Malaysia House’ during the Paris Olympics. (Facebook photo)

PETALING JAYA: The National Sports Council (MSN) has reiterated that no government funds were used to cover the costs of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) delegation to the Paris Olympics.

In a brief statement, the council said it only covered expenses related to athletes, coaches, MSN officials, the National Sports Institute and the activities of “Malaysia House” during the Paris Olympics.

“The expenses of the OCM delegation and their respective guests were paid by the OCM itself and the relevant parties. No government funds were involved,” the report said.

Social media users recently questioned the presence of OCM president Norza Zakaria’s wife and son, who were photographed sitting next to him during the men’s doubles bronze medal play-offs.

The OCM responded by saying that senior officials attending the Olympic Games would be allowed to bring guests with them using special accreditation cards. These cards were separate from the accreditation granted to the Malaysian contingent, which included coaches and support staff.

These special accreditation cards were awarded to the President and Secretary General of the OCM, each with their accompanying guests, the report said.

“Above all, there is no government financing,” said the OCM.