Paris Olympics official attire: Stop playing up issues, focus on sports development - Analyst

KUALA LUMPUR - Focus should be given to efforts to raise the country's sports development strategy to another level rather than continuing to amplify issues sensationalised by netizens, said local sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli.

Among these is the criticism directed at Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin for his statement defending the design of the national contingent's official attire, which was generally disliked by sports fans on social media.

Hamidin has also been implicated in the crisis between Selangor FC and the Malaysian Football League (MFL), leading to calls for him to relinquish both his positions as FAM president and Malaysia's chef de mission (CDM) to Paris 2024.

Pekan said he believed Hamidin had made the remarks spontaneously without any malicious intention but has had to contend with the repercussions.

"What was said may have been spontaneous but could potentially hurt certain parties, although that is the reality," he said when contacted by Bernama.

He reminded sports leaders not to become complacent or feel great, but instead to be open to criticism and strive to improve the situation.

Echoing Pekan's sentiments, Malaysian Karate Federation president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad said the selection of the national contingent's official attire was decided by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Committee and not solely by Hamidin.

"For me, netizens shouldn't blame Hamidin; it was the decision of the OCM Committee. Regarding the football conflict, I don't want to take sides, but if netizens want to be angry at a large and internationally recognised organisation because of someone else's mistake or decision, I don't think that's fair.

"FAM is the football governing body; MFL is a separate entity. As the FAM president, Hamidin cannot interfere with MFL's administration. He has more important matters to think about in his role," said Nur Azmi, who is also OCM vice-president.

Meanwhile, national football legend Datuk Jamal Nasir Ismail also believes it is unfair to blame Hamidin for subjective issues regarding the national contingent's attire and considers the Selangor-MFL conflict beyond Hamidin's control.

"As for Selangor's case, why blame him (Hamidin)? It wasn't his decision but MFL's decision... MFL is a separate administrative body not under FAM," said the 70-year-old former national defender.

With almost 40 years of experience in Malaysian football, Hamidin was elected as FAM president in 2018 and before that, he served as the Football Association of Selangor executive secretary.

Now, Hamidin's leadership faces new challenges as he takes on the significant role of CDM for Paris 2024 in Malaysia's hunt for its first Olympic gold in the quadrennial sports event from July 26 to Aug 11. - BERNAMA