Dark truths on '98 Commonwealth Games emerge

From 2002, I penned more than a dozen commentaries requesting for the accounts of the 1998 Commonwealth Games to be made public.

But those responsible, including the bigwigs at Sukom Ninety Eight Berhad (Sukom 98 Bhd) ignored the calls, pretended not to have read them, or felt it was too much “trouble” to engage with me.

But credit must go to Azalina Othman Said, who upon becoming the sports minister, spoke to me and instructed her officers to produce the documents.

But they could only show me the annual filings to the then Registrar of Companies (now Companies Commission) because the organisers were Sukom 98 Bhd, incorporated under the Companies Act.

The gullible media reported that “the accounts have been closed” and a letter to Malaysiakini even praised Azalina for her efforts.

The audited statement of accounts, which was closed at the end of 2002, saw the company posting a loss of RM11.6 million.

Azalina Othman Said

“We have finished with one chapter – that is the closing of the accounts. Sukom will now have to deal with how to settle it and where to raise the money. Of the RM11.6 million, a total of RM11.4 million is owed to the government,” The Star quoted Azalina as saying.

But how much did the government give in grants? How much was collected from other sources? They were never made public.

I persevered with a continuous barrage of questions for Hashim Mohd Ali, the executive chairperson of Sukom 98 and CEO Manap Ibrahim.

None were forthcoming.

Given the scandal that engulfed the bids made for the football World Cup at that time, I wrote: “It is pertinent to reiterate that every bid for any event – not necessarily football or sports – comes under heavy scrutiny.

“Even the slightest deviations from the norm is likely to be examined with a fine-tooth comb and every scribe worth his salt is likely to dig and dig every bid.”

Real cost of ‘98 Games

Yesterday, Hashim broke his 26-year silence by giving us a hint on how much the games cost the government.

In opposing plans to host the 2026 Games, he said: “We were given a RM1 million grant from the government to set up Sukom 98 Bhd, and we had four years to prepare for it. We looked for sponsorship and did not rely on government funds.

“Mastercard gave us a US$5 million sponsorship while Malaysian Airlines sponsored air tickets to be shared by athletes and officials of the 69 Commonwealth countries. It was a big deal back then.”

But what he did not tell us is that the government spent millions on the 88,000-seater national stadium, the aquatic centre, and the hockey stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

What about the upgrades of the velodrome, sports fields, and other amenities?

The then deputy sports minister Loke Yuen Yow told Parliament that preliminary estimates found the games would generate about RM38 million in ticket sales. Organisers forecast a profit of around RM5 million.

However, Hashim seems to have selective memory and omitted details of income and expenditure.

Hashim Mohd Ali

How much did it cost to make the thousands of colourful blazers for officials and delegates? How much was spent on hotel suites for those classified as VIPs and VVIPs?

What about other sources of income including minor sponsors, car number plates, sale of apparel, and souvenirs?

Carlsberg controversy

The most glaring omission is that it had to pay a brewery after signing a sponsorship deal.

In response to demands from religious quarters, the government banned Carlsberg’s sponsorship of the games - just two months before it began.

The cabinet decreed that all traces of Carlsberg must be removed, but Carlsberg was faced with a sizeable logistical task.

Fleets of buses and taxis proclaiming the company’s sponsorship, banners in shops, and of course, it was advertised on thousands of litres of tinned and bottled beer (collector’s items of these paraphernalia are still available on Carousel).

BBC reported that the organisers were also facing trouble - they would have to repay £800,000 (RM5.6 million at the time) of sponsorship money and could be facing a £1 million bill from distributors for cleaning up the mess.

BBC said: “Malaysia is the first Asian nation to hold the games, and the organisers were already facing financial problems because of the region’s economic slowdown. Budgets for the opening and closing ceremonies have been slashed.”

There was also a protracted dispute with the ticketing agent that went to court.

Gymnast attire

Why bring up these episodes and dark history? There’s danger at every turn.

If we decide to host the games, will the government ban leotards and swimsuits to appease the “Green Wave” and show its green is brighter than the other side?

How do you do a triple somersault wearing a sarong or would a female athlete dive into a pool wearing a house coat?

Be warned. The drums of godly augmentation have already started beating.

As it is, PAS-led Terengganu has banned female gymnasts from participating in the Sukma Games since 2019, citing concerns about their attire not adhering to syariah standards.

Gymnasts have pulled out, but does anyone care?

Such misogynistic edicts will certainly resurface and once again, Malaysia will be making the headlines the world over for the wrong reasons.

Additionally, will athletes from countries that did not condemn the atrocities of Israel be harassed?

Do we still want to consider being the host? - Mkini

---

R NADESWARAN, like his campaign for accountability on the 98 Games 20 years ago, continues to warn of the pitfalls that await if we host the 2026 edition. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.