KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) has given its assurances that the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) will be given priority over the use of the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Jalan Duta when it is privatised later this year.
PSM chief executive officer Azman Fahmi Osman said activities conducted by the private academy that wins the tender for NTC will be scheduled around programmes or tournaments that LTAM have lined up.
On Thursday, LTAM secretary Rahizam Rahim voiced his concerns regarding the privatisation as the national body had not been given a chance to present their views to PSM.
"LTAM will continue to be based at Jalan Duta, it is the National Tennis Centre after all and we will take into account their views on the privatisation of the centre," said Azman, when contacted today.
"We have also invited LTAM to attend the final round of presentations (for tender) next week and we will discuss this matter in detail. There is nothing for them to be worried about."
A final decision will be made after the presentation next week which is expected to feature two or three academies competing for the job.
Azman added that in addition to saving on maintenance costs currently covered by the government, the main objective behind the privatisation was to give NTC a new lease of life and boost the development of the sport in the country.
"Privatising NTC will help reduce costs in the long run, however, the main reason is to revive NTC itself, especially after the various improvements we have made to the centre for the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games and Para Games. We want more activities to be conducted there.
"One of the conditions set for the companies interested is that they must aid in developing the sport in Malaysia by conducting various programmes to promote the sport as we (PSM) do not have the expertise to do so.
"By having LTAM continuing to have their national players train there, hopefully the younger generation that use NTC will see them and be inspired to achieve greater things."
Azman disclosed that he has previously discussed the privatisation and direction of Malaysian tennis informally with current LTAM president Mirzan Mahathir.