Ex-OCM official on thin ice

A former ranking Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) official is among those being investigated over the selection of a national ice skater for last year’s Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.

The official, ousted at the recent OCM elections, has been linked to allegations the skater – who was part of the 3,000m short track speed skating relay team – was not selected by the council for the regional Games.

The relay team won the gold medal as Malaysia emerged overall champions in the short track speed staking competition with four gold and three bronze medals.

It is understood the matter was put on hold because of the OCM election on May 5.

OCM disciplinary board chairman Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamad Yunoos confirmed the matter.

“A complaint was made and the matter was referred to the disciplinary board,” Jahaberdeen said.

“The panel is investigating and we will call witnesses soon.”

He declined to comment further.

The Ice Skating Association of Malaysia had earlier this year claimed there was a plot to tarnish the association.

Its president Fadzli Johan was then quoted by the media as saying he had everything in order and that the accusers were now trying to manipulate the information.

“I will make this public and try to bring the culprit down to his knees,” Fadzli told the New Straits Times.

For the 2019 Manila SEA Games, figure and speed skating were omitted from the initial list of 30 sports approved by the SEA Games Federation last week.