NSC found to be 'horsing around' with funds

NSC found to be 'horsing around' with funds

Eighteen out of 23 specially bred horses, costing RM3.94 million, bought by the National Sports Council (NSC) for equestrian and endurance contests failed to meet criteria set by the Federation Equestre Internationale. The 23 horses, costing RM5.66 million, were bought in 2008 via direct negotiations that did not obtain the Finance Ministry’s approval, says the 2010 Auditor-General’s Report which was tabled today in the Dewan Rakyat.

The eighteen horses were also rejected because they were injured while the other five horses - named Edenfels Zephyr, Blue Bronco, Amira Alborada, Navidad, Brookleigh Kentara - were fit to be entered in the World Endurance Championship.

The World Endurance Championship directorate committee members, headed by the NSC director-general, and including a veterinarian, technical officer and project officer carried out the selection.

The 23 horses were bought from the:

•    Equine Centre Sdn Bhd (six horses) at RM1.98 million

•    El Ranco Country Club (13) at RM2.48 million

•    Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (two) at RM0.58 million

•    Toft Endurance Pty Ltd (two) at RM0.62 million

These 23 horses have since been 'assigned' to several government agencies:

- Police horse unit (three horses)

- Kuala Lumpur City Hall mounted unit (three)

- Army equestrian centre (two)

- Universiti Putra Malaysia (three)

- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (two)

- Terengganu Sports Council (two)

- Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (eight)