Dr Ramlan Does Not Need A Deputy - Kok Chi

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Chef-de-Mission (CDM) for the Laos SEA Games, Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz does not need a deputy Chef-de-Mission because the various agencies involved had always given their cooperation said Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Honorary secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi.

Kok Chi said since the CDM's job is just to oversee preparations of the Malaysian contingent to the SEA Games and also head the delegation, the need does not arise.

"Dr Ramlan does not need a deputy. He can handle the job without a deputy CDM, provided all the relevant authorities give their full support and cooperation to him," he told reporters here Thursday.

The last time a deputy CDM was appointed for the SEA Games was for the 2003 SEA Games in Vietnam because the games was hosted at two cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, he said.

That was why OCM appointed Norminshah Sabirin as CDM (Hanoi) and the late Datuk Ho Koh Chye as deputy CDM for Ho Chi Minh.

"The Laos SEA Games from Dec 9-18 is being held in and around the capital city, Vientiane. So, there is no need for a deputy CDM," he said when commenting on concerns raised by Dr Ramlan on the lack of support from various agencies.

Speaking of claims by Dr Ramlan that he was unassisted by officials during his visits to check on the preparations of athletes, Kok Chi said some did their work without seeking publicity while others loved publicity.

Kok Chi added that the job of monitoring preparations and performance of athletes was the duty of the national Sports Council (NSC), team managers and coaches.

"If the CDM visits the preparation of athletes, it will be a good move as a means of providing support but there will be no need to interfere," he said.

-- BERNAMA