The Olympic Council of Malaysia president Norza Zakaria has instructed the OCM to work with Yonex, the national team’s sponsors, to make improvements to the contingent’s attire based on feedback received from stakeholders and the public. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has given its assurance that the national contingent to the Paris Olympics will be kitted out in sporting apparel that “best reflects the stature of the country and expectations of all Malaysians”.

In a statement to FMT, OCM president Norza Zakaria acknowledged that the athletes’ official attire for the games, launched on Sunday, has not been well-received by the public.

He said he has instructed the OCM to work with Yonex, the national team’s sponsors, to make improvements to the contingent’s attire based on feedback received from stakeholders and the public.

In particular, Norza said, he has asked for the OCM logo to be restored to the outfit and for the Jalur Gemilang, emblazoned on it, to bear the actual colours of the national flag.

“The current kit shows a gold version of the Jalur Gemilang, which the design team thought would best symbolise the contingent’s aspirations to bring home Malaysia’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.”

“The gold version of the national flag is in line with the national Olympic contingent team apparel guidelines of the International Olympic Council (IOC), and Malaysia’s attire has already been approved by them,” said Norza.

He added that as a non-profit organisation reporting only to the IOC, the OCM is not rigid in its undertakings and is always open to suggestions.

Following the mixed reactions received over the last few days, he said the OCM and Yonex will work on improving the design to meets the expectations of all stakeholders, supporters and well-wishers.

“We are committed to ensuring that every member of our contingent is dressed in a manner that brings pride to the country and the rakyat,” he added.

The national contingent’s attire was unveiled in Kuala Lumpur to mixed reactions, with several people calling it “ugly” and “uninspiring”.

Yesterday, the organiser of the launch, MY Creative Moment, issued an apology to the OCM, the youth and sports ministry, and sports fans for awkwardness of the event.

Youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh said the attire launched in conjunction with Olympic Day 2024 was not intended for use by the national contingent at the opening ceremony of the games.

Norza confirmed this, saying that the attire on display was for the day-to-day use of athletes and officials representing the country at the Games from July 26 to Aug 11.

LatestHeadlines

Malaysia’s controversial Olympics kit to be improved, says OCM chief

Norza Zakaria says the new look attire will reflect the nation’s stature and expectations following mixed reactions from the public.