KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 — Maturity prevailed at the 34th Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Annual General Meeting at Wisma OCM yesterday as delegates voted for a mix of experience and young blood.

The challenge from Team “B” fizzled out as only two candidates won.

Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin won a vice-president’s seat while incumbent assistant treasurer Ahmad Feisal Ahmad Tajuddin retained his position.

Incumbent president Tunku Imran Ja’affar, who was challenged for the first time in 17 years, retained his post when he defeated Malaysian Golf Association president Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor.

Incumbent deputy president Tan Sri Mohamad Noor Abdul Rahim lost to debutant Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.

The much anticipated battle for the honorary secretary’s post — where incumbent vice-president Datuk Low Beng Choo was up against Rear Admiral (rtd) Datuk Danyal Balagobal — was one-sided. Low made history by being the first woman honorary secretary.

Incumbent vice-president Datuk Mumtaz Jaafar won the reserved women’s vice-president’s post when challenger Norcigini Norizan Ismail withdrew at the eleventh hour.

Incumbent honorary secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi, who downgraded himself for the assistant honorary secretary’s post, easily defeated challenger T. Kumar.

Both Tunku Imran and Sieh, who was allowed to address the delegates in the two-minute speech, requested a final term in office.

“I thank the delegates for giving this extra term. This term will be part of our transition programme before we hand over to a younger team,” Tunku Imran said after the election.

“We have several elected officials who are from the new generation who fit perfectly.”

Among the fresh faces are vice-presidents Mohd Nazifuddin Mohd Najib, Megat Zulkarnain, Rosmanizam Abdullah and Ahmad Feisal.

“This has been our strategy to ensure a smooth exchange of the baton,” said Sieh. “I am glad the delegates voted wisely.”

Tunku Imran added: “It is not about camps. We are in sports and sports is about teamwork. 

“We have a good team with a mixture of experience, youth and willingness to work hard to keep the OCM flag higher.”

Low was emotional after her win and she was glad the delegates showed maturity and integrity.

“We need to work harder towards changes which will see OCM improve and become stronger at international level,” she said.

“We have done well, but we need to make a quantum leap locally and internationally.

“We need the support of all affiliates to achieve the goals.

“I am confident it will be a reality.”