PM Anwar Ibrahim officiates groundbreaking ceremony of OCM's new headquarters

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today officiated the groundbreaking ceremony of the Olympic Council of Malaysia’s (OCM) new headquarters in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur – a move that raised questions over the land swap deal.

The ceremony marks the beginning of OCM’s relocation from its current premises in Jalan Hang Jebat, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, to a new site near the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, about 14km away.

Speaking at the event this afternoon, Anwar said he was excited about the project. He added that sports unite Malaysians from all walks of life, as “everyone gets together wanting our team to win.”

He also joked that he was glad OCM did not ask him, as Finance Minister, to fund the project.

OCM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria said the move was part of the council’s transformation, as it modernises systems, digitises operations, and reshapes its museum to better preserve history and inspire future generations.

“We are building for the next decade, not the last one,” said Norza.

“The Olympic House will also set a new benchmark for sustainability. It will be Malaysia’s first green energy sports headquarters – a building that respects people and the planet.

“We’re using sustainable materials, including recycled and waste-based content. We’re integrating solar panels, smart lighting, and natural ventilation to reduce energy use and lower operating costs. We’re also harvesting rainwater, using native plants, and designing open, breathable spaces that honour nature.

“This is a building that reflects the values we believe in – responsibility, foresight, and service to others.”

Norza thanked all 58 national sports associations for their unanimous support during the annual general assemblies on Nov 9, 2024, April 19, 2025, and the Council meeting on July 19, 2025.

“Your confidence gave this project the legitimacy it needed, and your solidarity gave it the strength to move forward. This is not just your future home. It is a reflection of your belief,” he added.

The Malaysian government had earlier allocated the land at Jalan Hang Jebat to OCM on a 99-year lease. A nine-storey building – Wisma OCM – complete with parking bays, was constructed there in 1991.

OCM decided it was time to relocate in 2021.

The move proceeded following a land swap deal with Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB). It was widely reported that MRCB would build OCM’s new RM93 million headquarters in return for the council’s current premises, which is located opposite the iconic Merdeka 118. An MRT station (Merdeka) also sits right at its doorstep.

In addition, OCM is required to pay RM10 million to the Stadium Board for a 30-year sublease on the new parcel of land.

‘Most perplexing is the absence of any cash benefits to OCM’

OCM serves as an umbrella body for Malaysia’s national sports associations. It also promotes the values of the Olympic Charter and prepares national athletes for international multi-sports events.

However, certain quarters have labelled it a “glorified tour agent” – one that will now operate out of a multi-million ringgit facility.

The deal has been questioned by several parties, including OCM’s former deputy president Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Zabidi and former Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

Abdul Azim, who served the council from 2018 to 2021, said the deal raised serious questions about OCM’s financial prudence and long-term sustainability. In a statement on June 30, he said: “Most perplexing is the absence of any cash benefits to OCM, despite Wisma OCM being valued at RM132 million.”

Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq raised the matter during a Special Chamber session in Parliament on July 30. He questioned whether OCM had initiated a request for proposal (RFP) and conducted an open tender process before agreeing to theland swap deal with MRCB.

OCM, however, had in March defended its decision to relocate to Bukit Jalil, adding that it received “limited responses” when it issued an RFP for the project.

New HQ, new vibe?

OCM’s new headquarters – dubbed the Olympic House – will be built on a 5.38-acre plot of government land near the National Hockey Stadium. It will be modelled after the International Olympic Committee’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

One of the building’s key features will be a sports museum, showcasing Malaysian sports history and the Hall of Fame. As the National Stadium and Axiata Arena regularly host concerts, there are hopes that concert-goers will stop by the museum to learn more about the nation’s sporting legacy.

A similar idea was mooted when OCM introduced its Hall of Fame at its current site in Jalan Hang Jebat, as the nearby Merdeka Stadium had also hosted many concerts. Wisma OCM also houses a hotel. However, the Hall of Fame drew little foot traffic.

Some blamed the lack of interest on poor promotion and limited exhibits, despite the current location being a popular tourist area – with Petaling Street just down the road, and several schools and malls nearby.