Late Kok Chi a symbol of everything positive in sports - NSC DG

KUALA LUMPUR: The late Datuk Sieh Kok Chi was a symbol of all things positive in sports, National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said.

This was proven by the spirit of volunteerism he displayed as well as his perseverance in helping the National Sports Association (NSA) mould an effective governance system and introduce initiatives that led to various forms of recognition for national sportsmen.

"News of the passing of former Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) secretary-general, the late Datuk Sieh Kok Chi is truly sad news because his services and contributions are huge for national sports.

"The late Kok Chi who left us aged 83 had devoted himself to national sports as an athlete, administrator and sports leader for almost six decades," he said in a statement.

Ahmad Shapawi said Kok Chi was always giving his views and advice, even when he was not in healthy condition when they last met at a ceremony organised by the Malaysian Malay Cricket Association to celebrate his contributions in May.

"The late Kok Chi has left a huge void in the national sports arena that will be difficult to fill by the current generation of sports administrators. It is a great loss and I represent the entire NSC community to extend my condolences to all family members of the deceased," he said.

Kok Chi died on Saturday, family members announced yesterday.

He was known by many as one of the individuals responsible for the prospering of the OCM, being there from its early years to the institution that stands strong today.

The recipient of the 2019/2020 Sports Personality Award had been offering voluntary services to OCM since 1974, and had served on various committees and task forces within the OCM before being elected as honorary secretary in 1992.

According to the announcement shared by family members yesterday, the wake will be held for two days from today until Thursday at Nirvana Centre Kuala Lumpur here.

The funeral service will be held on Friday at 10 am and the cortege will leave for cremation at the Nirvana Crematorium Shah Alam.

-- BERNAMA