Safety, security of athletes, officials top priority in decision on Olympic participation - Minister

The safety and security aspects of national athletes and officials will be given the highest priority before a final decision is made on the Malaysian contingent's participation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in July following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said in a statement today that the ministry will work closely with the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) regarding both aspects.

He also believes that the International Olympic Council (IOC) and all its affiliates will take appropriate measures by heeding the views and suggestions of the World Health Organisation and the United Nations should the pandemic worsen and get out of control.

He also confirmed that Malaysia was among the 45 affiliates who recently gave their backing to the IOC, via a video conference call, for the Olympics to be held as scheduled from July 24 to Aug 9, before adding that the support was subject to several conditions.

Among them being IOC to strive to make fair changes to athletes' qualifying systems, priority be given to the safety and security of athletes and officials as well as to constantly monitor the latest development on the COVID-19 threat.

-- BERNAMA