MYDF struggles to get OCM membership despite recognition from international body

12th February 2022 (Selangor) - After almost a decade of relentless effort to get a membership from Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), Malaysia Dancesport Federation (MYDF) continues to be consistently turned down in this matter. It is mentioned by OCM that there is already another member organisation representing the sport, which is Malaysia Dancesport Berhad (MDSB).

According to OCM’s constitution Article 9.2, it stated that “Each application for Membership shall be supported by a certified true copy of its certificate of registration with the Commissioner of Sports or the Registrar of Societies or the Registrar of Companies, a certified true copy of Proof of Affiliation with its International Federation controlling that sport, a copy of its Constitution, details of its membership, activities, latest audited financial statement and a list of current office-bearers”. In regards to this matter, MDSB is not recognised nor affiliated with the international body WDSF and Dancesport Asia (DSA), which work in line with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). MDSB has clearly violated the constitution to be registered as a member of OCM.

Due to technical reason, the affiliation of MDSB with the international federation was being removed in 2009, and at the moment, only MYDF was being recognised. However, MDSB remained as one of the sole national body in Malaysia representing Dancesport in Malaysia after 13 years. As deputy president of MYDF, Mr. John Fam mentioned, MYDF met all the criteria and have all proper credentials to be representing Malaysia in this sport.

As a state body, our heart sinks with this news as it is an unfair treatment to our national athletes who are registered members under MYDF, as they were denied access to championships and games such as Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Game, SEA Game and Olympic Game unless they comply to instructions imposed by OCM and MDSB. With this, we urge OCM to take fair action and to look into this matter in their upcoming Annual General Meeting in March 2022. MYDF met all the criteria to be the member of OCM and have all rights to be the representing body of Dancesport in Malaysia.

Article and picture adapted from: https://www.thevibes.com/articles/sports/54042/malaysia-dancesport-federation-struggles-to-get-ocm-membership-despite-international-federation-recognition