KUALA LUMPUR: National sports association leaders who are part of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) or have links to them have come out in support of the umbrella body.
OCM today issued a release compiling the statements of six NSA leaders which includes FA of Malaysia president Datuk Hamidin Mat Amin.
This comes after the leak of an audio clip in which Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias is heard threatening to deregister OCM during a recent meeting with two esport groups.
Suhardi, however, claims that the conversation was taken out of context.
Hamidin, who is also OCM deputy president, believes an apology is owed to OCM.
"I was shocked to hear Suhardi's statement because it was made during a meeting with representatives from sporting bodies," said Hamidin.
"As an umbrella body, OCM will not break any rules or go against it's own constitution and put it's registration status under the Sports Development Act (1997) at risk.
"The Sports Commissioner is akin to a judge who must be fair to all sports associations.
"Suhardi should apologise to OCM for crossing the line."
Malaysia Karate Federation president Datuk Wira Nur Azmi Ahmad said Suhardi should not look for conflict with OCM.
"The Sports Commissioner should not be at war with OCM, both parties should work within their own jurisdictions," said Azmi, who is also OCM vice president.
"It is not right for the Sports Commissioner to deregister OCM without reason and without consulting with OCM first regarding the content of the meeting with the esport representatives.
"The role of the Sports Commissioner is similar to the attorney general.
"This includes ensuring that clubs and associations nationwide are active and are not just submitting their annual general meeting and financial reports annually. He has to understand the law."
Malaysia Boxing Federation president Datuk Iruan Zulkelfi said Suhardi went too far.
"Even if there was something related to OCM in the meeting with the esport representatives, I consider Suhardi's statement to have crossed the line," said Iruan, who is also on OCM's multi-sport games committee.
"Additionally, he overstepped the line by likening OCM to the Israeli government when OCM (representatives) was not there to defend itself from any allegations."
Malaysia Snooker and Billiards Federation president Melvin Chia urged Suhardi to be careful with his statements.
"The Sports Commissioner should be careful when making statements in any meeting, whether they are closed or open, because it can be interpreted wrongly," said Melvin, who is also on OCM's management and administration committee.
"The International Olympic Committee (IOC) have consistently defended all national Olympic committees from any form of interference from the government.
"Any form of threat towards the existence and functions of OCM thus will not be accepted by the world body (IOC).
"Although the Sports Commissioner has the right to deregister OCM according to the law, it is not as easy as pushing a button."
Malaysia Tenpin Bowling Congress's Maradona Chok and BA of Malaysia's Kenny Goh, who are both secretary-general for their respective NSAs, were also on the same page as their peers.