MALAYSIA: Clubs win bout against MTA

By S. Selvam
Feb 17:

SHORT of giving the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) an ultimatum, Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar presented five models, all of which provides clubs with voting rights as the new way forward in Malaysian sports.

Elyas made his presentation to MTA in a dialogue with the national body, State taekwondo associations, and clubs at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

However, what Elyas has done is give MTA a month to think about the proposals and give their feedback to him before making any further decision on the issue.

"I have given them one month to think about the proposal and choose which model they want to follow," said Elyas.

"The State associations and the associate members can write in to give their views on the matter. This will enable me to gauge the general feeling of the taekwondo fraternity on accepting clubs as full affiliates.

"I don't want to force MTA to accept the proposals. At this point in time, let them think about it and decide what is best for them. We will cross the bridge, should they decide not to follow, when the time comes."

Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, based on the advice of the Sports Advisory Panel, instructed MTA to amend their constitution to allow clubs to be affiliated directly, and more importantly, give the clubs voting rights as well.

On Feb 1, MTA were supposed to amend their constitution but failed to reach an agreement and deferred their decision on the matter.

"Since this issue is yet to be resolved, I would also like to advise MTA to postpone their BGM (biennial general meeting) in March," added Elyas.

"But again, I leave it to MTA to decide whether they want to follow my advice."

Among Elyas' proposals are to allow clubs to form their own association and be directly affiliated to the national body.

Another proposal is to categorise clubs into three categories (A, B and C), according to certain criteria that will be established, with only Category A clubs allowed to be affiliated directly to the national body.

All proposals, however, grant clubs or their representatives voting rights.

"But the clubs can only enjoy these privileges if they (clubs) are registered with us (Sports Commissioner's office)," said Elyas.

Most of MTA's clubs, who are termed as associate members, are registered with the Registrar of Business.

"Our proposal is to ensure there is a provision for clubs to be affiliated directly to the national body in the future, said Elyas.

"If the clubs are happy with their present status and position, they can choose to remain as they are. But if they want to be heard, there is always provision for it."

For at the end of the day, that is what the clubs are seeking - equal representation.


Source from http://www.nst.com.my