'Politically incorrect': Ex-deputy minister on Norza's Paris trip

SHAH ALAM - Former Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal expressed concern over Malaysian Olympic Council (OCM) President Tan Sri Norza Zakaria’s decision to bring his family to the Paris 2024 Olympics, stating that while it may not be wrong, it is politically incorrect and insensitive to the concerns of Malaysians.

Controversy has erupted within the Youth and Sports Ministry and the OCM following the revelation of issues surrounding accreditation cards for the Paris Olympics 2024.

National women's badminton player Goh Jin Wei had to compete without her coach, Nova Armada due to limited accreditation.

Similarly, national men's badminton player Lee Zii Jia, who secured a bronze medal, had to self-fund his entire support staff's trip after being denied additional accreditation through the OCM.

The controversy deepened when Norza was seen on live television in Paris with his wife and children, justifying their presence with a special quota as OCM and Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) President.

This situation has triggered outrage among netizens, who questioned the priorities of the officials, noting that athletes, who had worked tirelessly for the Olympics, were left without their full support teams, while families of officials appeared to take precedence.

Touching on the issue, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal said that he recently read a statement from the Youth and Sports Ministry emphasising that any requirements involving officials or coaches for athletes must be communicated in advance to ensure proper registration.

“I am not certain if all of our Malaysian athletes attending the Paris 2024 Olympics applied for these arrangements on time, but it is common for major events like the Olympics to have strict regulations.

“However, questions were raised when the OCM President Norza brought his family to Paris.

“While he likely had a quota for this as the OCM President, it seems politically insensitive given that athletes like Zii Jia could not bring his physiotherapist, and Goh Jin Wei’s coach was also unable to attend due to insufficient accreditation cards.

“Although Norza did not break any rules, his actions appear politically incorrect and insensitive, which has led to backlash from netizens,” he told Sinar Daily when contacted today.

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal stated that the events in Paris involving government officials, including ministers accompanying the athletes, reflect actions that, while not necessarily wrong or in violation of the rules, are politically unwise and insensitive to the concerns of Malaysians.

He suggested that this situation should serve as a valuable lesson for those responsible for future events, particularly the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, to avoid repeating the same mistakes.