Will Tour de Langkawi go on?

In a recently reported TdL debt issue, the Malaysian government has recently cleared up debts, worth up to RM 3.4 million with RM 2.3 million coming from the Youth and Sports Ministry and RM 1.1 million from the Tourism ministry (reported by CyclingNews.com). The debts includes prize money from year 2005, contractor debts and amassed debts for television rights. The Malaysian government has filled the criteria set by UCI to clear remaining debts within the deadline of September or face a discontinuation. Tour de Langkawi was initated by former Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir in 1996 as a promotion to the sport and tourism. This week, the government will make decision whether they will continue on with the tour.

Although the Malaysian government (Sports Ministry) has stepped in to aid Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), the future of the tour is still in doubt. Cycling News has played their role as the media in reporting unpaid debts and reporting issues to authorized personnels in UCI. Other online reports has also indicated on the power struggle within Malaysian National Cycling Federation. It sure do sound like usual business in Malaysia.

Many of these occuring events has affected image and reputation of Malaysia. TdL is a prestigious race, rated 2.HC by UCI. In previous years, the TdL had bigger teams racing although they are not rated as a Protour race. Today, the race itself has problems attracting racers from other continents and is probably going to face further financial debts. Seriously, if I were to be the chairperson of you-know-who-where-what, I would just cut-off TdL and learn to think humbly. The sport, cycling itself is not a popular sport in Malaysia. Further to that, TdL don't have much advertisers who will be willing to sponsor a sport which has not been improving, not much of a potential that I rather spend my money elsewhere. Previous years setup confirms this. What do the sponsors gain? Media coverage? Do Telekom, Petronas, Genting or Proton need any further media coverage? It looks like an absolute waste.

Look, I am sorry I can only think otherwise. The whole situation looks like some bad case of politics going on around. Be a good PR. Apologize to everyone, stop the whole crisis, don't start proposing any races anymore. I know your good intention. Spend the money on our athletes. Grow the sport, think something practical.

TDM wouldn't mind. AB would be more than happy. I will still love cycling. So do the rest.