MALAYSIA: Register or face consequences

By S. Selvam
Mar 23:

THE Sports Commissioner does not have the authority to force clubs to register as sports bodies, and only has the power to register, suspend or de-register sports bodies.
And while it is the club's prerogative not to register with the Sports Commissioner's office, Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar emphasised he will not hesitate to act against the taekwondo clubs that masquerade as sports clubs.

There are 45 clubs, termed as Associate Members, who are affiliated with the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA). However, to date, only 12 have applied to be registered with the Sports Commissioner's office. The rest are registered with the Registrar of Business (ROB).

"I don't have the authority to force people to register as sports bodies. However, I have the power to register, suspend or de-register sports bodies.

"If they (taekwondo clubs registered with ROB) don't register with us but behave like sports clubs, then it is against the law (Sports Development Act, 1997). It is the law that requires them to register with us.

"If they don't, then, I'm empowered to prosecute people who go against the law."

Elyas also reiterated that it was mandatory for the ROB-registered clubs to register with his office if they want to be granted voting rights in the MTA and compete or engage in sporting activities.

"I'm happy to note that the applications from these clubs are coming in everyday. To date, we have 12 applications," added Elyas.

"If they don't register with us, they cannot compete or be involved in any sporting activities.

"They can be involved in martial arts but cannot be in the sports aspect of it. Which means, if they want to produce a (the late) Bruce Lee (kung fu star in the 1970s), they can do so.

"But if they want the Bruce Lees to compete, they must register with us.

"It is the same for voting rights. Unless they register with us, they cannot be considered for voting rights."

The MTA have given Elyas the assurance that they will amend their constitution after the biennial general meeting (BGM) at the end of the month to grant clubs voting rights.

"I urge them (clubs), advice and encourage them to register with us. I have said my piece, and it is now up to the clubs to decide what they want to do."


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