Muhyiddin firm on keeping out '98 athletes

08/08/1997

SPORTS Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday reiterated his stand
that Kuala Lumpur 1998 Commonwealth Games athletes should not be allowed
to compete in the Under-21 Malaysia Games in Shah Alam on April 17-27 next
year.
"The National Sports Council (NSC) feel the preparations for the
Commonwealth Games should not be interrupted as the Malaysia Games are too
close in dates," said Muhyiddin.
"It would be better if those eligible concentrate on the '98 Games. "The
exact figure of those eligible will only be known on Dec 1."
Speaking after chairing the Games Council meeting in Shah Alam,
Muhyiddin said States should not worry as there are sufficient talented
athletes to fall back on.
"The Malaysia Games, I believe will not be poorer in terms of prestige,
in the absence of the Commonwealth athletes."
He also said that 24 sports will be contested including the 15
Commonwealth Games sports as agreed to by the council.
The sports are soccer, athletics, taekwondo, gymnastics, aquatic sports,
rugby, lawn bowls, tennis, sepak takraw, archery, netball, boxing,
weightlifting, golf, volleyball, badminton, cycling, cricket, bowling,
squash, shooting, hockey, silat and sailing.
Competing teams will include, besides the 13 States, Kuala Lumpur,
Labuan, Brunei, Schools Sports Council (MSSC), Police and Universities
Sports Council (MASUM).
Selangor Executive Councillor Datuk Zainal Abidin said it will cost RM20
million to organise the Games.
He said the State Government have alloted RM10 million with Proton-EON,
Petronas and the Sports Ministry coming in with RM1 million each.
"The rest we hope to source from State-run subsidiaries and private
sponsors," said Zainal.
He said there will not be any problems in getting sponsors despite the
Commonwealth Games.
Zainal said the organising committee will make sure the budget will not
exceed RM20 million.
"We will propose that the opening and closing ceremonies be kept simple.
There is no need for elaborate and lavish shows. We will concentrate on
organising the Games and provide the athletes with good accommodation and
food," added Zainal.
Institut Teknologi Mara will serve as the Games Village and except for
cricket, which will be held at the Royal Selangor Club ground in Bukit
Kiara, the other venues will centred around Shah Alam.
(END)