The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) is set to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new headquarters on Aug 7. However, questions have been raised over whether the council secured the best possible deal in the arrangement.
Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda – Muar) questioned Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in a Special Chamber session in Parliament today, asking whether OCM had initiated a request for a proposal (RFP) and conducted an open tender process before agreeing to a land swap deal with Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB).
This, despite OCM, had in March defended its decision to relocate to Bukit Jalil, adding it received “limited responses” when it issued an RFP for the project.
Syed Saddiq, a former youth and sports minister, expressed concern over the terms of the deal, as OCM would not receive any monetary compensation. He made a comparison with the Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) as the national body, which owns a building near Wisma OCM, is also involved in a redevelopment plan and would receive a new office and a cash injection.
“My question is, did OCM initiate an RFP and open tender to ensure it received the best deal, whether from MRCB or any other parties?” Syed Saddiq asked.
Yeoh responded: “I believe the OCM president (Tan Sri Norza Zakaria) is the best person to answer that question. However, as I mentioned earlier, the decision to relocate was made unanimously on two occasions – at the annual general meeting on Nov 9, 2024, and during the executive committee meeting on July 19, 2025.
“I am confident the national associations have raised similar concerns. A committee has also been established to monitor the deal.”
It has been reported that MRCB will construct OCM’s new RM93 million headquarters in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, in return for the council’s current premises, Wisma OCM, located on Jalan Hang Jebat in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, OCM is required to pay RM10 million to the Stadium Board for a 30-year sublease on the new parcel of land.
The new Olympic House will also include a modern museum celebrating Malaysia’s sporting achievements.
Syed Saddiq said many consider the deal lopsided, noting that Wisma OCM sits in a prime location close to public transportation hubs, with several skyscrapers under development nearby. He added that Wisma OCM was valued at RM132 million.
“Land swaps are common, but they have to be fair. All associations should benefit from the deal,” said Syed Saddiq.
Last month, OCM’s former deputy president Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Zabidi expressed his “deep concern” over the RM103 million land swap deal to relocate the council’s headquarters.
Syed Saddiq also raised the possibility of OCM being forced to vacate its new premises once the 30-year sublease ends, which could result in further financial and operational disruptions.
Yeoh replied that OCM can apply for an extension from the Malaysia Stadium Corporation based on the latest terms and conditions, as well as the Department of Valuation and Property Services’ assessment. She added that OCM’s move to Bukit Jalil will transform Kuala Lumpur Sports City into a one-stop hub for sports development and help invigorate the sports industry.
