COMMENT | When there is a bottomless pit of government money and no one to account for it, the sky is usually the limit. Hence, the Malaysian malaise of extravagance to impress becomes one of the outcomes.

The success of the 1998 Commonwealth Games stands as a monument of such overindulgence in organising grandiose ceremonies where no money was spared to create the Malaysia Boleh spirit to amaze the world.

Today, 36 years later, no one knows the cost of such extravagance. No accounts have been submitted and the company set up to run the Games ended insolvent.

The culture of transparency values openness, honesty, and collaboration in every aspect of sports organisations and their activities. It encourages and empowers staff and players to communicate, share information, and foster a climate of trust and respect.

The issue of governance has been the emphasis in the sporting world.