THE Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) are fed up with contingent officials who regard international competitions as fully sponsored holidays.
To avoid another Ziyad Zolkefli incident in the future, the PCM will take stern action against officials who do not commit to their duties during competitions.
The council have enforced a new pledge agreement, which the contingent officials must sign ahead of competitions.
The agreement requires officials to carry out their duties diligently during competitions. It is to ensure that officials do their jobs.
Officials will have to oversee all aspects, including planning and coordinating, as well as reporting to the Chef de Mission regularly.
Officials who fail to carry out their duties as outlined in the agreement could face stern action under the 2018 Sports Development Act (amended).
Under the Act, legal action could also be taken against officials.
The agreement will take effect from the Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) in Bahrain on Dec 2-6.
A total of 14 athletes and 15 officials, comprising coaches and medical staff, will be travelling to Bahrain.
PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin said the agreement is one of the initiatives to avoid another Ziyad incident in the future.
"The agreement will be between PCM and the concerned officials. Athletes do not have to sign it," said Shahriman yesterday.
"This pledge serves as a reminder for all of us that we are there (at a competition) for work.
"We have outlined everything that is expected from the officials in the agreement.
"The agreement also states that stern action could be taken against those who fail in their duties.
"We want to make sure that everyone takes this seriously as we want to be more professional to avoid another Ziyad issue.
"The coaches and other officials enjoy a relationship with the athletes. However, we must make sure that we maintain our discipline and avoid being too lenient."
Shahriman added that PCM are also working on other initiatives in regard to management during competitions together with the National Sports Council (NSC).
Ziyad was deemed to have been late to report to the call room prior to the men's shot put F20 at the Tokyo Paralympics on Aug 31 but was allowed to compete under appeal.
He went on to finish first, but it did not count. His appeal was rejected and he was classified as 'did not start' (DNS).
Coach Faizol Harun claimed that they had reached just in time but were not allowed into the call room. An internal investigation committee, however, concluded that they did not have sufficient evidence to prove their claims.
Meanwhile, Shahriman added there has yet to be any confirmation on whether the Vietnam Asean Para Games will be held next year.
However, PCM have already received the invitation letter and mascot for the 2022 Asian Para Games, which will be held in Hangzhou, China, on Oct 9-15.