Publication : MM
Date : 22/07/1998
Headline : All for the nation
WITH 51 days left for the Commonwealth Games, it is about time everyone
involved pay heed to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad's
call to work as one.
Dr Mahathir made the call when opening the National Sports Complex in
Bukit Jalil a fortnight ago, but judging from the developments since, not
many are taking his call seriously.
The Pre-Games held as a test run have revealed that there are many
things that need to be attended to, to ensure the Games go on smoothly.
The main problem are the several associations that are trying to impress
instead of getting on with the job of organisation.
Sukom Ninety Eight Bhd, Minsitry of Sports, National Sports Council,
Olympic Council of Malaysia, national sports associations, athletes,
volunteers and even the public have a role to play, and they have to work
as one to ensure success of the Games.
A lot of time, money, planning and effort has been put in since winning
the bid in 1992 to host the Games.
We have constructed some of the best sporting facilities in the world.
About 6,000 athletes and 70,000 visitors from 68 countries are expected
for the Games and we certainly need to put our best foot forward and not
allow the Games to be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
To make matters worse, we have associations still bickering over the
selection of athletes and making a mockery of sports.
We certainly do not need the bad publicity with the Games round the
corner.
If we cannot get our house in order, how are we going to play host to
the several thousands of visitors expected to arrive for the Games?
And the last thing we need is to wash dirty linen in public.
More often than not, we have been critical of flaws in organisation of
major events by other countries, and now we will be judged.
This is a Malaysian affair and everyone involved should work hand in
hand.
And there is nothing wrong in admitting mistakes just to have it
rectified.
Although Sukom chief operating officer Lt Gen (R) Datuk Seri Abdul Manap
Ibrahim said that the pre-Games was a success, he did admit that there
were problems.
Although Manap declined to go into details or reveal the problems, he
did admit that the main problem was that volunteers were not familar with
the new facilities.
The last thing we need is our own personnel being in the dark when we
are supposed to be guiding visitors to ensure that everything runs
smoothly.
Manap said that the problem was rectified while a debriefing will be
held to uncover any other problems encountered.
At this point, time is not on our side.
Whatever needs to be rectified, needs to be done immediately and
effectively.
There needs to be co-ordination from all quarters and unless everyone
brings himself to the ground and work sincerely, we are bound to encounter
more problems as the Games draw even nearer.
It is hoped that everyone realises that the dignity of the country is at
stake here.
On Sept 21 when the Games comes to a close, it is hoped that Malaysia
will be on the lips of every visitor, be it an athlete or a tourist, that
we are ready to host even bigger events because otherwise all the
facilities built would have been just for an one off event - the
Commonwealth Games.
Lets us all join hands in the name of Malaysia and get our act right.
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