Demise of Tan Sri Hamzah ABU SAMAH, OCM Honorary Life President & IOC Honorary Member in Malaysia

It is with deep regret that the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) announces the demise of Tan Sri Hamzah ABU SAMAH, today at the age of 88.

Tan Sri Hamzah ABU SAMAH, who was once the Sports Minister of Malaysia had contributed greatly towards the Olympic Movement in Malaysia. 

He was the President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia from 1976 to 1998 and further served as the Honorary Life President from 1998 to 2012. He was elected as an IOC Member in 1978 before becoming an IOC Honorary Member in 2004. 

He had held several important portfolios regionally such as Honorary Life President of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (1977-2012), Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (1982-1986), Vice President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (1982-1988), Vice President of the Islamic Solidarity Sport Federation (1985-1994) and Vice President of the General Association of the Asian Sports Federation (1988-1998).

As a great Football enthusiast, Tan Sri Hamzah ABU SAMAH also played a key role in promoting Football in Malaysia and internationally. 

He was President of the Football Association of Malaysia (1976-1983), President of the Asian Football Confederation (1978-1994), Vice President of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (1982-1990) and Honorary Executive Member of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (1990-2012). Besides that, he also served as President of the Malaysian Cricket Association (1969-1990) and President of the Malaysia Taekwondo Association (1987-1999).

Tan Sri Hamzah ABU SAMAH’s demise leaves a void in the Olympic Movement and a great loss to the sporting world.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia expresses its deepest condolences to Tan Sri Hamzah ABU SAMAH’s family and may his soul rest in peace. Al-Fatihah.



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