Malaysia's kit: ‘As Youth and Sports Minister, I approved the design,’ KJ says
Khairy Jamaluddin says that during his tenure, he approved the design for Malaysia’s attire at the 29th SEA Games Kuala Lumpur 2017.
SHAH ALAM - Former Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin says that during his tenure, he approved the design for Malaysia’s attire at the 29th SEA Games Kuala Lumpur 2017.
In his Keluar Sekejap podcast programme hosted with former Umno Information Chief Shahril Hamdan, Khairy was seen wearing Malaysia’s jersey from the 29th SEA Games Kuala Lumpur 2017.
“I am just feeling nostalgic today, and there is no particular reason I am wearing this shirt. It reminds me of the 29th SEA Games Kuala Lumpur 2017.
“This shirt was designed by Abstrax, a local design company, and I really like it. I actually approved the design of this shirt myself,” he said.
After Khairy made his statement, Sharil asked him if his choice of wearing the jersey was prompted by recent news or specific events, to which Khairy responded in the negative.
“This means that KJ, as the former Youth and Sports minister, approved the design of this shirt.
“Okay, that is all we wanted to mention,” Sharil said.
Recently launched on June 23 during the Olympic Day 2024 celebration at The Exchange, TRX in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian Olympic uniforms were intended to symbolise the nation's quest for its first Olympic gold medal but were met with widespread disapproval.
Additionally, current Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh clarified on X that the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and the National Sports Council (MSN) had no control over the design.
"The attire is under the responsibility of OCM (Malaysia Olympic Council) and was a collaboration with Yonex, beyond the jurisdiction of KBS and MSN," she reportedly said.
Khairy’s recent statement added pressure on Hannah, following her move to distance herself from the nation’s controversial Paris 2024 Olympics attire.
Meanwhile, OCM Secretary-General Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib said that the attire was developed under several constraints, including budget limitations from sponsors.
He emphasised that the uniforms were funded by sponsors rather than the government.
"We are limited by what sponsors can provide within their budgets. Opting for premium designs would increase costs for the sponsors," he said.
Meanwhile, Chief de Mission (CDM) Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin reportedly said that the OCM has agreed with Yonex to change the colour to gold to reflect their aim for gold medals.
“This aligns with the overall theme, and Yonex believes the gold hue pairs well with black. However, even if the colour is beautiful but we do not get gold or medals, it is of no use,” he added.
Hamidin, who is also the OCM deputy president, acknowledged the criticisms on social media regarding the design of the official attire. He suggested that the OCM might open opportunities for the public to contribute their designs for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
He also admitted it was a mistake to use mannequins to showcase the national contingent's official attire for the 2024 Olympic Games.
The Instagram post by the OCM on June 24, unveiling the attire received predominantly negative reactions.
One user bluntly called the uniforms "ugly" and questioned the approval process, while another described the design as "school-level" and unfit for the Olympics.
Calls for a redesign were common with some fearing the current attire would embarrass the national contingent.
Actor Awal Ashaari sarcastically commented on the viral post, stating: “We dress them (Malaysian athletes) in these and expect gold medals in return?”
Fitness social media influencer, Muhammad Khalish said: “And this is the official photo to announce the attire?”
Meanwhile, social media influencer Azfar Herisyam better known as Azfar Heri expressed his dissatisfaction on the design, adding to the discontent.
