MALAYSIA: Clubs will lose out if they don't register with Commissioner

S. Selvam
Mar 22:

SPORTS Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar has refused to force taekwondo clubs from registering with his office. But clubs are going to be the biggest losers if they don't.
Despite several quarters advising the clubs to the contrary, and to the extent of advising against registering, the Sports Development Act (1997) has no place for clubs that aren't registered with the Sports Commissioner's office.

"I will not force any club to register with us. But if they don't, as provided by the Sports Act, they will not be recognised as sports bodies," said Elyas last week.

While some, including officials from the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) perceive Elyas' statement as a sign of weakness, the latter is leaving the Sports Act to speak for itself.

Which effectively means any body that is not registered with the Sports Commissioner's office cannot organise, conduct, allow or participate in any sporting activities within or out of Malaysia.

As of March 15, 2005, there are seven clubs who have applied to be registered with the Sports Commissioner's office.

They are Pusat Seni Mempertahankan Diri Taekwondo Action, Kelab Taekwondo Martial Arts Tanah Merah, Kelantan, Kelab Sara Taekwondo Kelantan, Kelab Taekwondo Warisan, Kelab Gemilang Taekwondo Terengganu, Bangsar Taekwondo Fitness Club and Viva Taekwondo Club.

Which also means that, provided the applications of these seven clubs are approved, they and the State associations, will be the only ones able to compete in the National Championships on May 7-8.

Article 25(1) of the Sports Act further states that a sports body (which is not registered) cannot continue to receive financial assistance from the Government, National Sports Council (NSC) or any other Government agencies.

But perhaps the most serious clauses are in Section 25(1c), 25(1d) and 25(1e).

Section 25(1c) states that such sports body shall not be a member of any body or organisation acting as or purporting to act as the governing body of any sport in Malaysia or represent or purport to represent the participants of any sport in Malaysia.

Which means the unregistered clubs cannot be a member of MTA, in the sporting sense that is.

Section 25(1d) and 25(1e) states such sports body shall not use the phrase "of Malaysia" for any of its activities and such sports body shall not organise, participate in or send participants to any sports competition or event manifesting that such undertaking by it is for, in the name of or on behalf of, Malaysia or any part of Malaysia, within or outside Malaysia.

Which brings into question whether the exponents from the unregistered clubs can even go on to compete on behalf of the State association.

And while Elyas refused to force any of the clubs to register with his office, it is the unspoken repercussions that MTA and their affiliates, be they full members or associate members, must bear in mind.

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