Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Future OCM President

Any talk about transition is normally brushed aside because many of those who hold positions in sports bodies cannot accept the fact that there are others who can do a better job than them. Maybe some can, but most cannot.

But the fact of the matter is that people are now fed up with the state of sports in the country. Change is needed and now its the time to talk and discuss about it - transparently and sincerely. I know I am asking to much by mentioning those two important elements.

However, as these changes are slowly begining to take place a different associations, I see that there are also hints about future leaders of Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), which has the responsibility to spread the core values of Olympic Movement - Excellence, Friendship and Respect.

You may be wondering why this story and why at this time. Well, I will write about that later. But for now, let see who are those who would make a good President for OCM. Presently Tunku Imran Tuanku Jaafar holds the post.

Many officials feel that Ms Low Beng Choo (picture, left) is a good choice as a presidential candidate in the future. The 51 year old Consultant of a Legal Firm, has plenty of experience as an athlete, administrator and also involvement at the highest level of sport.

Ms Low, who was actively involved in netball, hockey, track and field and softball at school level, is currently the Vice President of OCM and in charge of the Women and Sport Committee. She is also the President of Softball Association of Malaysia (SAM) and the Deputy Secretary General of the international body.

She is well accepted by Goverment and is an active member of the Sports Advisory Panel (SAP) to the Minister of Youth and Sports since 2004.

She is also a familiar figure at the international scene holding influential positions at Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), International Softball Association (ISA) and International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Many feel that she would be the best choice to be an IOC Member in future. But, above all that she would really bring the change that many are hoping would take place, a change in attitude, more transparent, having respect for people and so on.

Also, it is the IOC desire to see more women leaders in the Olympic movement. In fact at its last meeting the IOC insisted that womens boxing be included in the Olympics.

Indonesia already has a women, Madam Rita Subowo as its president. Maybe its time for that to take place in Malaysia also.

If Ms Low is a presidential candidate, then how about the Honorary Secretary's post? Who would be the one to bring that post to greater heights? Well, many names are being mentioned but the rising star who is said to capable of running OCM well is Rosmanizam Abdullah (picture, right).

Rosmanizam, 49, is currently the Assistant Treasurer of OCM and the General Secretary of the Malay Cricket Association of Malaysia (MCAM), one of the few sports bodies in Malaysia which has strong finances.

Rosmanizam has been involved in many oragnizations such as trade unions and cooperatives also cycling for more than tow decades. Soon, he is expected to be involved in another sport, which wanted his expertise in developing it.

Well, even if the past has been messy, the future looks good.

17 comments:

  1. A good piece Joe, Let us hoped this all goes on the wire at the next AGM and the few NSAs doesnt be coyed to switch camp (for a mere promises of T-shirts/sponsorships/multi-games secretariat positions)...how low can you get these NSAs. I thought the athletes and associations were worth much more...huh, but I think not... cheapsake associations.

    Change must come but by just talking about it and not acting on it juz makes you a wolf in sheep clothing. No more sandiwara on these issues for a more vibrant OCM...that will emphasis on women's leadership (who works for it rather than be bought over by material wealth). All the talk of money politic before the elections are all a hogwash, when the status quo did it...it's ok. Bullshit...a spade is still a spade!

    If you can't deliver moved out and let others take over...be a gentlemen or lady. OCM doesnt belong to juz you but the whole sports fraternity in Malaysia.

    The NSAs should also be taken to task as when you make a decision to do the necessary stick to it even to the pain of death. You did say you wanted change for the better but recind at the last minute (11th hour), how could that be? It's mind boggling...

    At the next AGM (Election) please, I beg you all (NSAs) do the right thing...vote for the workers/leaders who care of the sports (athletes n officials) rather than juz positions (trips n perks). Check their background, see their credientials and work ethics...don't juz listen to mere talk (or rumours).

    Running down of people is a dirty political ploy (this is a sports election and not a general election). You ask for politicians not to be allowed in but within your midst you have politicians who are already in OCM.

    Well as I say Joe, its a good piece and hope the NSAs would do the right thing at next time around.

    Majulah Sukan untuk Negara.

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  2. For the love of sport, we are looking forward to see the day this changes to take place.OCM is desperately need this wind of change.

    Sport66

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  3. The NSAs should be aware of what is happening in OCM and they should make the right choices when electing.

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  4. Uncle Joe,

    Unfortunately, your article should have come out before the last OCM election. However it is better late than never. For effective change to take place, I feel it is essential that the electoral system in OCM must change. Remember the RM 6,000 and RM 4,000 paid to NSA before the election. Well it reeks with the stench of corruption and hey, it fits the defination of corrupt practise under the Act.

    I am not sure if Low Beng Choo is good OCM President material. So far Tunku Imran is helmimg OCM and we all know that the work and policies is in the hands of the Sec Gen. The President is a yes man and lets not be coy about it. Low Beng Choo if put as President is wasted talent. I say that Low Ben Choo should be the Sec Gen and revamp the whole system, seriously with the ladies touch, she can put the Sec Gen office in order at least it look like an office rather than what it is today.

    Beng Choo is a lawyer and you can see that she is a team player. Out side she never critises the Sec Gen on OCM policies but put on a brave front. We need that sort of a person who will not go on a character assination rampage. She has acted Chef de Mission for the SEA Games and you cannot find a better and more caring Chef De Mission from OCM.

    Rosmanizam is a classic straight forward no nonsense person. This man have a mind of his own and will not compromise on principals. He has a good head on his shoulders and will not tolerate injustice. He would also be a good candidate to consider as Sec Gen. Ros passion is cricket, but this is one person who will know the OCM and NSA boundaries and will not cross it.

    With either of them, I am sure OCM will not be in a mess with their NSA. In short interfered in NSA matter under the guise of the Olympian spirit. Under the present Sec Gen, the Olympian spirit is long dead, buried and gone. The affairs of Taekuando is onesuch example.

    All said the present Sec Gen in the early days has served OCM well, but of late he has been getting personal and has acted in manner that I would attribute to senile decay. It is out of character for him to attack Haridass and Latifah after they have lost in the OCM election. He should retire gracefully and put to pasture.

    Thank you Uncle Joe for the good though provoking piece.

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  5. Well said Anonymous. The present Sec Gen even criticized Taekwondo openly in his speech during a closing ceremony of an OCM event which was heard by not only Malaysians but internationals. Is this how a Sec Gen of the OCM where OCM is seen to be the mothership of sports in Malaysia talk??? He is seriously senile and corrupt.

    How did the current Sec Gen attack Haridas and Latifah?

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  6. Low Beng Choo for President! Maybe in ten years time. The immediate choice should be the Hon Sec OCM. After all, he acts like the President, he talks like the President and makes all decisions. Might as well let him sign as President.

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  7. Hi Mr. FP,

    I thought the sport associations and the media were supporting Low Beng Choo for Sec Gen just a few months ago. Surely that's where she should be. But why didn't she stand? Not interested? Not ready? Not confident? Pressured not to stand? Threatened? Some pact unknown to us? We should know before we support her for any higher post.Fair?

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  8. Anon 5:17, heaven forbids the present Sec Gen criticizes Taekwando at a closing ceremony of an OCM event for all to hear. How could he has done it...be careful he might say it's your words and not his.

    As for his attacks to haridas n latifah...as usual below the belt and much mud-slinging. I still don't think he has apologies to them yet or he's above that too or phps he forgets what he does against them.

    Old and senile.

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  9. I attended the closing of the ceremony mntioned and DSKC was hanging dirty linens in public i.e. in front of the international participants. Has he got no shame? of course not. SKC has no ethics
    and please ensure that the next S.Gen be more open minded.
    As for the Haridas and Latifah people know who you boh are. You both are still well respected by a lot more people than Kok Chi. We the sporting community would like you both to accept our apologies for what was written against you both. To wait for Tunku to instruct SKC to write an apology to you both you will have to wait for the end of the DSKC era . It will not come. Sybas to the two of you Haridas and Latifah. Just keep on doing the good work.

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  10. A very good write up bu feels that the position of the Sec Gen is more of a worry for the next AGM. Whilst now the president is fully under the control of the Sec. Gen and a few known to almost all quarters it is sad to note that he president is turning a blind eye to a lot of the unnoticeables that aregoing on. Reason being the Sec. Gen. decides on all matters that has to brought up to the management committee headed by another 'kuncu' the honorable Roy Rajasingham. t
    This two will conspire to ensure that only thoes that will do what is asked will bein the committees. Thoes who rebel will not be wanted.
    Undersstand that not everyone can sit in these committees. Names will be given by the chairpersons of each com. and w
    these future members will hae to fill in forms and submit to the management com. for them to decide whether these people will listen and follow instructions or else out they go even if they arequalified to do volunteer work. What has happened to the museum? Nothing has changed and the museum is not open to the public. No appointments no see histoy of sports. What is the use of setting up the museum and opening only when there is a press conference or a course.
    Another matter mentioned is that SKC was hanging dirty linen in public. That was true as the foregin participants were shocked o be informed about what his anger with taekwando.Why can't he just leave them alone and instead of lashing out he should be more understanding.
    Talk aboutwhat was written in the highlights of 7th June 2009 that Haridas and Latifah did not do anythng to bring up sports during the time when they were involved in associations, please ensure what SKC has written were all rubbish. And it was understood that letters were sent to Tunku as the President of the Board to apologise to the two mentioned. Why is it so difficult to admit that SKC has made a mistake? But than the apologgy must come from the heart aand not typed and sent over and after that if at the next AGM the same words will be mentioned by the same person plus all his waggers.
    Lord hear us please. We need a change to ensure that the athletes will get a better environment. If it is not because of NSC we don't know where our athletes will be.
    Tunku wake up. Your downfall is going to be because of SKC.

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  11. Rosmanizam the next OCM Sec Gen? Super! The MMCA may not be happy! As you know the MMCA is one of the better sports NGOs we have in the country and it is so mainly because of the efforts of two people... Tun Ahmad Sarji's leadership, dynamism and vision and Rosmanizam's commitment, passion and persistance.

    But MMCA doesn't have to lose him if he goes for the OCM job. He can handle both. I know him as I have worked with him for many years. After all he just has to put in a little bit extra time than he is doing now as OCM Asst Treasurer.

    Ros can be a damn good choice. He has all the qualities. Besides, he is also fluent in English and Malay. He also speaks a couple of Chinese dialects and some Tamil and Thai! Perfect 1MALAYSIA choice! Even his full name is a 1MALAYSIA name !

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  12. Why did Low Beng Choo not stand for Sec Gen? The answer is the present Sec Gen has indicated that he wants to stand for another term and the President gave his blessings.

    I do not support Dato Sieh to be President of OCM. He is an embarrassment to Malaysia and Malaysian sport. Dato Sieh is a passionate person and sometimes if he dislike a person , he will not hesitate to keep his trap shut.

    However if he can clean his room and keep all the papers in order, and make his office to look more like an office, I may just support him as President with no portfolio.

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  13. jikalau bapak2 di koni bleh terima presidensi ibu subowo, kenapa tidak dato2 di ocm terima pimpinan low beng choo? ros memang sesuai sekali sbg s/u agung ocm dan byak kemajuan bleh direalisasikan. mereka perlu bentuk 1 pasukan impian yang mantap utk menerajui ocm:
    presiden- low beng choo
    tim presiden- haridass menon
    naib presiden- shahidan kasim, ibrahim saad, zakaria ahmad, karim ibrahim & muntaz jaafar
    s/u agung- rosmanizam
    pen s/u agung- latifah yakob, a. subramaniam
    bendahari- vincent ho
    pen bendahari- joe marcos
    pasukan impian ini punyai ciri2 dan semangat 1Malaysa dan yg penting pencapaian didahulukan

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  14. Helo Anon 7:55...u can dream on. I will destroy them all. Fong! get me the mud pies.

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  15. Terima kasih BH Fong atas sokongan anda. Ada baiknya cari kerja baru mulai sekarang.
    - Pimpinan akan datang OCM

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  16. Janji SKC ditendang sebagai Sec Gen, sudah cukup. OCM sudah cukup dibawah pimpinan dia yang kotor. OCM perlukan kemerdekaan daripada orang seperti dia dan konco-konconya yang sekepala ngn dia. MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!

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  17. Anon 25 Aug 7:55, I think there's a problem with your projected line-up in regards to the treasurer's post. I for sure is not interested with it as I have much work to do in my own association (KL Bodybuilding Fed), to develop, hold championships and run the association with effectiveness.

    I think OCM can take care of itself without me getting involve and furthermore there are many other more capable people to do it (be OCM Treasurer).

    Best hunting for that person.

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