KUALA LUMPUR: It is all hearsay. That was the response from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) after they held a special meeting earlier today (Friday) to clear the air following media reports that Ung Su Ling, who is linked to fugitive businessman Jho Low, has been appointed as their Chief Operation Officer (COO).
After a brief meeting involving elected members, OCM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria revealed that they have yet to appoint a COO.
He said the media reports of Su Ling being appointed COO of OCM were based on hearsay.
“We have yet to appoint a COO for OCM, so whatever was written in the media is pure hearsay. No truth to it,” said Norza.
“OCM advertised for the position and received 59 applications which were later shortlisted to six.
“And we have to consult our stake holders like NSAs (National Sports Associations), NSC (National Sports Council) and the Sports Ministry before making any decision.
“Yes, Su Ling received the highest marks among the shortlisted six, but that does not mean she will be hired or that she has been hired.”
Citing an example, Norza said: “Like an open tender, the lowest price does not automatically get the job because there might be undercutting on costs which could cost other problems, and sometimes the second best is selected.”
Timesport had reported that the decision to hire Su Ling out of 59 applicants was made by a three-man panel headed by Norza, OCM deputy president Datuk Seri Azim Zabidi and secretary general Datuk Nazifuddin Najib.
Azim was present at today’s (Friday) meeting but Nazifuddin was not around.
“I did mention earlier that Su Ling was the candidate who received the highest marks among the six, but I never mentioned that we are going to hire her or have hired her,” clarified Azim.
OCM will announce their new COO by the end of the month.
On the open letter by former OCM secretary general Datuk Sieh Kok Chi to Timesport, Norza said even though the firm appointed to do fact-finding on OCM did not state the need for a COO, the board felt otherwise.
“The firm had recommended to seal the gap between board members and administrators, and we felt that a COO will be the best person between decision makers and administrators, hence the need to hire a COO.
“We read between the lines, on the recommendations made by the firm, and the board has every right to do that,” said Azim.