May 21
WE refer to the Press report "Elyas warns MTA of further action" dated May 20th, 2005 by reporter K.M. Boopathy.
The report by Tan Sri Elyas Omar if true, is grossly misleading on point of law. After having been advised by our lawyer Dato’ M.S. Murthi, we find Elyas’ argument on the operations of the provisions of the Sports Development Act 1997 ("SDA 1997") is rather unfounded.
The Sports Commissioner is quoted as saying "What MTA? The MTA were de-registered on May 6, and as such, according to the Sports Act, which is an Act of Parliament, don’t exist anymore."
He was also quoted as saying "But even then, for the Minister to do that, the de-registered body must appeal first."
It appears from the reporting that, on one hand the Sports Commissioner states that the MTA no longer exist BUT on the other hand, he states that MTA is given 30 days to appeal. Following this obvious questions one would ask is:
1. How can MTA appeal if it doesn’t exist?
2. Who else could lodge an appeal to the Minister in accordance with Section 22 of SDA 1997 other than the MTA office bearers?
Further, if one were to follow the Sports Commissioner’s statements as reported, if the MTA office bearers do appeal to the Minister, then the office bearers would be seriously violating the SDA 1997 and be punishable under section 25 (2) of SDA 1997.
One would be placed in a dilemma if one goes by the above statements and interpretation of the SDA 1997 by the Sports Commissioner as reported.
We have sought legal advice and our actions are only in accordance with the law. Further MTA would only take all necessary actions that its members deem fit in defending MTA.
Thank you.
Chin Mee Keong
Chairman
Malaysian Taekwondo Association
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Saturday, May 21, 2005
MALAYSIA; Clubs refute Ho’s claims
May 20
THE six executive council members in the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) cannot claim to be representatives of the clubs or associate members.
The six, said one associate member, were elected by the States. In fact, four of the six are from the same club.
As such, said the member, the claim by MTA president Ho Kam Phaw in a Press conference on Wednesday that clubs run MTA, is inaccurate.
"Four out of the nine exco members are from KCTA (Klang Coast Taekwondo Academy) which is registered under (MTA chairman) Chin (Mee Keong)," said the club representative who did not want to be identified.
Besides Mee Keong, vice-chairman Lim Chong Tiam, assistant secretary general Chun Chong Lee and treasurer Lim Chui Ann are from the Klang-based KCTA.
Secretary-general Yeap Swee Bee, who is also Klang-based, is from Power Sports while R.Dhanaraj, the national chief coach, is from Koryo Taekwondo Academy.
As of April 30, KCTA, Power Sports and Koryo had yet to register with the Sports Commissioner’s Office. Claims that the clubs are power crazy, hence the bid for votes, were also refuted.
"A large number of students come from the clubs and they contribute money to MTA. We want voting rights so that we can look after the welfare of the students and give constructive suggestions to the national association. At the moment, this is not case.
"The few members who belong to KCTA never meet up with the other associate members. They never consult us," said the source.
"All the problems started when one head instructor called for a discussion with a few other clubs to form a clubs association but MTA issued show cause letters to them.
"They (MTA) are very suspicious of the clubs. They are scared that the clubs will take over.
"We don’t want to take over but we want to contribute our ideas for the betterment of the sport. We just want to have a say.
"We have contributed financially, we have contributed by producing players for the national team and yet we are not allowed in the council."
Another head instructor concurred.
"These representatives were elected by the States and we did (clubs) not have a say. We are not affiliated to the States," said the instructor.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
THE six executive council members in the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) cannot claim to be representatives of the clubs or associate members.
The six, said one associate member, were elected by the States. In fact, four of the six are from the same club.
As such, said the member, the claim by MTA president Ho Kam Phaw in a Press conference on Wednesday that clubs run MTA, is inaccurate.
"Four out of the nine exco members are from KCTA (Klang Coast Taekwondo Academy) which is registered under (MTA chairman) Chin (Mee Keong)," said the club representative who did not want to be identified.
Besides Mee Keong, vice-chairman Lim Chong Tiam, assistant secretary general Chun Chong Lee and treasurer Lim Chui Ann are from the Klang-based KCTA.
Secretary-general Yeap Swee Bee, who is also Klang-based, is from Power Sports while R.Dhanaraj, the national chief coach, is from Koryo Taekwondo Academy.
As of April 30, KCTA, Power Sports and Koryo had yet to register with the Sports Commissioner’s Office. Claims that the clubs are power crazy, hence the bid for votes, were also refuted.
"A large number of students come from the clubs and they contribute money to MTA. We want voting rights so that we can look after the welfare of the students and give constructive suggestions to the national association. At the moment, this is not case.
"The few members who belong to KCTA never meet up with the other associate members. They never consult us," said the source.
"All the problems started when one head instructor called for a discussion with a few other clubs to form a clubs association but MTA issued show cause letters to them.
"They (MTA) are very suspicious of the clubs. They are scared that the clubs will take over.
"We don’t want to take over but we want to contribute our ideas for the betterment of the sport. We just want to have a say.
"We have contributed financially, we have contributed by producing players for the national team and yet we are not allowed in the council."
Another head instructor concurred.
"These representatives were elected by the States and we did (clubs) not have a say. We are not affiliated to the States," said the instructor.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: Penang TA stand by deregistered national body
K. KANDIAH
May 20
THE Penang Taekwondo Association (PTA) are firmly behind the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) and their office- bearers.
PTA secretary Dr Pok Sen Wei said this is in no way showing disrespect to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said or Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar and his office.
"It was the committee’s decision to support the national body and we stand by it till the end," Sen Wei told Timesport yesterday.
"Our decision is in no way showing disrespect to the Sports Minister or the Sports Commissioner. Our firm decision is to allow the MTA to get things in order as stipulated in our constitution, even if it means going to court to solve the matter."
He said the PTA believe that the MTA will be able to solve the problem amicably and that they are headed in the right direction.
The MTA, the governing body for taekwondo under the World Taekwondo Federation-system in Malaysia, were de-registered by Elyas on May 6 and have 30 days to appeal against the decision from the date of the noticification.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong on May 9 claimed that the national body’s perceived defiant stand against the Sports Commissioner had "101 percent support from the general council" comprising representatives from each State association.
Elyas revoked the MTA’s registration based on Article 20(1)(e) of the Sports Development Act 1997, which states that the Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that such sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
At the centre of the controversy is the MTA's reluctance to grant clubs voting rights despite Elyas presenting five models of governance and issuing the association a show cause letter on April 15.
According to Elyas, the MTA’s amendments did not guarantee clubs voting rights, contrary to what was promised by the MTA.
On Monday the Selangor Taekwondo Association became the first State body to withdraw their support of the MTA followed by the Terengganu Taekwondo Association the following day.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
May 20
THE Penang Taekwondo Association (PTA) are firmly behind the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) and their office- bearers.
PTA secretary Dr Pok Sen Wei said this is in no way showing disrespect to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said or Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar and his office.
"It was the committee’s decision to support the national body and we stand by it till the end," Sen Wei told Timesport yesterday.
"Our decision is in no way showing disrespect to the Sports Minister or the Sports Commissioner. Our firm decision is to allow the MTA to get things in order as stipulated in our constitution, even if it means going to court to solve the matter."
He said the PTA believe that the MTA will be able to solve the problem amicably and that they are headed in the right direction.
The MTA, the governing body for taekwondo under the World Taekwondo Federation-system in Malaysia, were de-registered by Elyas on May 6 and have 30 days to appeal against the decision from the date of the noticification.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong on May 9 claimed that the national body’s perceived defiant stand against the Sports Commissioner had "101 percent support from the general council" comprising representatives from each State association.
Elyas revoked the MTA’s registration based on Article 20(1)(e) of the Sports Development Act 1997, which states that the Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that such sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
At the centre of the controversy is the MTA's reluctance to grant clubs voting rights despite Elyas presenting five models of governance and issuing the association a show cause letter on April 15.
According to Elyas, the MTA’s amendments did not guarantee clubs voting rights, contrary to what was promised by the MTA.
On Monday the Selangor Taekwondo Association became the first State body to withdraw their support of the MTA followed by the Terengganu Taekwondo Association the following day.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: MTA lose Terengganu TA’s support
S. Selvam
May 18
THE Terengganu Taekwondo Association (TTA) are the latest State body to withdraw their support for the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) and their office bearers due to their seemingly defiant stand against Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar and his office.
TTA president Datuk Razali Ismail also clarified that the association had full faith in Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said and Elyas to resolve the dispute amicably.
In fact, Razali said he was unaware that the TTA had voiced their objections to the way Elyas handled the whole episode and in the same letter, expressing the TTA’s support of the MTA and their office bearers.
"I don’t know what transpired but as far as we (TTA) are concerned, the sport must not suffer. We are confident that the Sports Minister will be able to resolve the issue," said Razali.
The MTA, the governing body for taekwondo under the World Taekwondo Federation-system in Malaysia, were de-registered by Elyas on May 6 and have 30 days to appeal from the date of the notification.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong on May 9 claimed that the MTA’s perceived defiant stand against the Sports Commissioner had "101 per cent support from the general council" comprising representatives from each State association.
Elyas revoked the registration of the MTA based on Article 20(1)(e) of the Sports Development Act, 1997 which states that the Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that such sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
At the centre of the controversy is the MTA’s reluctance to grant clubs voting rights despite Elyas presenting five models of governance and issuing the association a show cause letter on April 15.
According to Elyas, the MTA’s amendments did not guarantee clubs voting rights, contrary to what was promised by the MTA.
The Selangor Taekwondo Association (STA) were the first State body to rescind their support of the MTA.
On whether the TTA supported the MTA office bearers’ legal proceedings against the Government and Elyas, Razali said: "No. We only support Sports Minister Datuk Azalina and hope she will be able to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
"The sport, especially the children, should not suffer. And on that note, we are going to go ahead with the Junior Championships on May 27-29 in Terengganu."
A meet which the TTA and the State Government support fully.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
May 18
THE Terengganu Taekwondo Association (TTA) are the latest State body to withdraw their support for the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) and their office bearers due to their seemingly defiant stand against Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar and his office.
TTA president Datuk Razali Ismail also clarified that the association had full faith in Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said and Elyas to resolve the dispute amicably.
In fact, Razali said he was unaware that the TTA had voiced their objections to the way Elyas handled the whole episode and in the same letter, expressing the TTA’s support of the MTA and their office bearers.
"I don’t know what transpired but as far as we (TTA) are concerned, the sport must not suffer. We are confident that the Sports Minister will be able to resolve the issue," said Razali.
The MTA, the governing body for taekwondo under the World Taekwondo Federation-system in Malaysia, were de-registered by Elyas on May 6 and have 30 days to appeal from the date of the notification.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong on May 9 claimed that the MTA’s perceived defiant stand against the Sports Commissioner had "101 per cent support from the general council" comprising representatives from each State association.
Elyas revoked the registration of the MTA based on Article 20(1)(e) of the Sports Development Act, 1997 which states that the Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that such sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
At the centre of the controversy is the MTA’s reluctance to grant clubs voting rights despite Elyas presenting five models of governance and issuing the association a show cause letter on April 15.
According to Elyas, the MTA’s amendments did not guarantee clubs voting rights, contrary to what was promised by the MTA.
The Selangor Taekwondo Association (STA) were the first State body to rescind their support of the MTA.
On whether the TTA supported the MTA office bearers’ legal proceedings against the Government and Elyas, Razali said: "No. We only support Sports Minister Datuk Azalina and hope she will be able to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
"The sport, especially the children, should not suffer. And on that note, we are going to go ahead with the Junior Championships on May 27-29 in Terengganu."
A meet which the TTA and the State Government support fully.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
MALAYSIAA: Run-up to Manila SEA Games: 'Stay hopeful'
By RIZAL HASHIM
May 17:
MALAYSIA’S chef-de-mission to the Manila SEA Games, Low Beng Choo, remains hopeful the taekwondo exponents would be able to make the trip to the Philippines.
Although the sport's governing body, the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), have been de-registered by the Sports Commissioner, Beng Choo has advised the exponents to remain focused on their training programme.
“We will do what we can to make sure taekwondo will be represented in the Games, including writing to the SEA Games Federation (SGF) explaining the situation and for them to be registered under the banner of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) if the issue is not resolved by then.
“As far as we are concerned, they are part of the team and remain in the programme.
“The exponents have been encouraged to continue training and not to worry about anything else,” said Beng Choo, who is also an OCM vice-president.
Beng Choo was speaking to the Press after chairing a team managers' meeting at Bukit Jalil yesterday.
MTA have instituted legal action against Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar following the de-registration on May 6, which threw the immediate future of national exponents into doubt.
On athletes who have met the SEA Games qualifying mark, Beng Choo said their place in the contingent is not assured.
“In order to justify their berths, they have to demonstrate their consistency and not take their places for granted.
“Track and field athletes who have met the requirements, for instance, will still have to prove themselves in the MAAU Open in August.
“This is to make sure we will not have any passengers in the contingent.”
Source from http://mmail.com.my
May 17:
MALAYSIA’S chef-de-mission to the Manila SEA Games, Low Beng Choo, remains hopeful the taekwondo exponents would be able to make the trip to the Philippines.
Although the sport's governing body, the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), have been de-registered by the Sports Commissioner, Beng Choo has advised the exponents to remain focused on their training programme.
“We will do what we can to make sure taekwondo will be represented in the Games, including writing to the SEA Games Federation (SGF) explaining the situation and for them to be registered under the banner of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) if the issue is not resolved by then.
“As far as we are concerned, they are part of the team and remain in the programme.
“The exponents have been encouraged to continue training and not to worry about anything else,” said Beng Choo, who is also an OCM vice-president.
Beng Choo was speaking to the Press after chairing a team managers' meeting at Bukit Jalil yesterday.
MTA have instituted legal action against Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar following the de-registration on May 6, which threw the immediate future of national exponents into doubt.
On athletes who have met the SEA Games qualifying mark, Beng Choo said their place in the contingent is not assured.
“In order to justify their berths, they have to demonstrate their consistency and not take their places for granted.
“Track and field athletes who have met the requirements, for instance, will still have to prove themselves in the MAAU Open in August.
“This is to make sure we will not have any passengers in the contingent.”
Source from http://mmail.com.my
MALAYSIA:The deregistration saga: Selangor TA no longer support MTA
By S. Selvam
MAy 17:
THE Malaysian Taekwondo Association’s (MTA) show of unity in defying the Sports Commissioner’s office showed the first sign of cracking yesterday when the Selangor Taekwondo Association (STA) withdrew their support for the beleaguered body.
In fact, the STA have thrown their support behind Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said and Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar to resolve the issue amicably.
And if the MTA do not appeal to Azalina, STA are willing to take that step to spare the sport from further ridicule and embarrassment.
"The STA don't support, and withdraw all support for any legal proceedings instituted against the Sports Commissioner and his office," said STA president Yusof Hashim in Kajang yesterday.
"The STA also withdraw their association against all police reports made against the Sports Commissioner and his office.
"But the STA support the Sports Minister (Azalina) in her endeavour to resolve the current issues affecting taekwondo WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) in Malaysia amicably.
"This is the stand of the STA and the council."
The MTA were de-registered on May 6 by Elyas for hindering the development of the sport as the association failed to heed directives to grant clubs direct membership and voting rights.
The MTA have 30 days, from the date of the notification, to appeal to Azalina.
Although the MTA have yet to appeal, two lawsuits have been initiated against Elyas and the Government of Malaysia. A police report was also lodged by several office bearers against Elyas for allegedly threatening the association.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong, on May 9, had said the association had "101" per cent support from the affiliates in all their (MTA) actions thus far.
But yesterday, Yusof rescinded all support and said they would seek a meeting with Elyas and Azalina to find a solution.
"And we will appeal to the minister to lift the de-registration," said Yusof.
"The minister has said she is prepared to listen, so why is there a necessity to go to the court?
"The channels (for communication) are still open and we believe that should be the appropriate course of action."
On why the STA were withdrawing their support when they were also party to the decisions made by the MTA general council, Yusof said: "The issues have become very serious and the actions have gone against the very basic tenets of the sport — respect and discipline.
"We teach our members and children discipline but the MTA's actions show defiance.
"If the full facts were presented and its repercussions were explained, I'm sure the decisions would also be different.
"As such, we are withdrawing our support to MTA. It is STA's right to withdraw our support and this is our stand."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MAy 17:
THE Malaysian Taekwondo Association’s (MTA) show of unity in defying the Sports Commissioner’s office showed the first sign of cracking yesterday when the Selangor Taekwondo Association (STA) withdrew their support for the beleaguered body.
In fact, the STA have thrown their support behind Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said and Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar to resolve the issue amicably.
And if the MTA do not appeal to Azalina, STA are willing to take that step to spare the sport from further ridicule and embarrassment.
"The STA don't support, and withdraw all support for any legal proceedings instituted against the Sports Commissioner and his office," said STA president Yusof Hashim in Kajang yesterday.
"The STA also withdraw their association against all police reports made against the Sports Commissioner and his office.
"But the STA support the Sports Minister (Azalina) in her endeavour to resolve the current issues affecting taekwondo WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) in Malaysia amicably.
"This is the stand of the STA and the council."
The MTA were de-registered on May 6 by Elyas for hindering the development of the sport as the association failed to heed directives to grant clubs direct membership and voting rights.
The MTA have 30 days, from the date of the notification, to appeal to Azalina.
Although the MTA have yet to appeal, two lawsuits have been initiated against Elyas and the Government of Malaysia. A police report was also lodged by several office bearers against Elyas for allegedly threatening the association.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong, on May 9, had said the association had "101" per cent support from the affiliates in all their (MTA) actions thus far.
But yesterday, Yusof rescinded all support and said they would seek a meeting with Elyas and Azalina to find a solution.
"And we will appeal to the minister to lift the de-registration," said Yusof.
"The minister has said she is prepared to listen, so why is there a necessity to go to the court?
"The channels (for communication) are still open and we believe that should be the appropriate course of action."
On why the STA were withdrawing their support when they were also party to the decisions made by the MTA general council, Yusof said: "The issues have become very serious and the actions have gone against the very basic tenets of the sport — respect and discipline.
"We teach our members and children discipline but the MTA's actions show defiance.
"If the full facts were presented and its repercussions were explained, I'm sure the decisions would also be different.
"As such, we are withdrawing our support to MTA. It is STA's right to withdraw our support and this is our stand."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA:Parents: Learn from this bitter episode
May 16
PARENTS are happy that the national junior taekwondo championships are back on, but have urged the relevant bodies to heed the lessons learnt from the unsavoury episode - don't make rash decisions.
The postponement of the championships was announced by the now de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) chairman Chin Mee Keong on May 9.
But it is the inconvenience caused to parents, and more importantly the disappointment on the faces of their children, that the parents want the relevant parties to consider in the future.
"We want to thank Datuk Azalina and the Terengganu MB for saving the meet," said a parent speaking on condition of anonymity.
"Our children can now look forward to competing and knowing their efforts were not in vain after all.
"Having said that, we now have to go through the tiresome process of making reservations again."
After news of the postponement broke out, many parents cancelled their room reservations, transportation bookings and leave from work.
One parent even asked for a deferment from his new employers so that he can witness his children compete in Terengganu.
Another parent, who works abroad, took leave to coincide with the championships.
"But for the sake our children, we would gladly go through the whole process again," said the parent.
"Which is why we hope all parties will learn their lessons from this bitter episode."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
PARENTS are happy that the national junior taekwondo championships are back on, but have urged the relevant bodies to heed the lessons learnt from the unsavoury episode - don't make rash decisions.
The postponement of the championships was announced by the now de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) chairman Chin Mee Keong on May 9.
But it is the inconvenience caused to parents, and more importantly the disappointment on the faces of their children, that the parents want the relevant parties to consider in the future.
"We want to thank Datuk Azalina and the Terengganu MB for saving the meet," said a parent speaking on condition of anonymity.
"Our children can now look forward to competing and knowing their efforts were not in vain after all.
"Having said that, we now have to go through the tiresome process of making reservations again."
After news of the postponement broke out, many parents cancelled their room reservations, transportation bookings and leave from work.
One parent even asked for a deferment from his new employers so that he can witness his children compete in Terengganu.
Another parent, who works abroad, took leave to coincide with the championships.
"But for the sake our children, we would gladly go through the whole process again," said the parent.
"Which is why we hope all parties will learn their lessons from this bitter episode."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: Taekwondo National Junior Championships: Common sense prevails
S. Selvam
May 16
GOOD sense prevailed, sparing the sport and its practitioners further agony when the Terengganu Taekwondo Association decided yesterday to host the National Junior Championships as scheduled on May 27 to 29.
And for now at least, those who matter most - the children - have been given a reprieve as months of preparations and sacrifices will not go down the drain.
Terengganu Taekwondo Association (TTA) vice-president, Long Abdul Rahman in confirming the tournament will be organised as scheduled, also said that the organisers may re-name the tournament as the MTA have been de-registered.
"We (TTA) will organise the junior championships and it will be held on the same dates which is from May 27 to 29," said Long when contacted yesterday.
"These dates are the most suitable as the second half of the year is normally an examination period in schools.
"As such, there will be no change in the dates."
The MTA's de-registration on May 6 saw a domino effect on taekwondo activities in the country with their chairman Chin Mee Keong announcing the indefinite postponement of the championships three days later.
Mee Keong claimed a directive from Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh was the reason for the postponement, a decision that led to several parents appealing to Sports Minister, Datuk Azalina Othman Said to intervene and rescue the meet.
Which Azalina, after discussions with Idris, did last Thursday.
Azalina assured the organisers of the State and ministry's support but reiterated that the final decision to continue with the tournament lies with the organising committee.
And the TTA have reacted in the best possible manner by going ahead with the tournament.
The junior meet has always attracted a huge interest with some 600 to 800 exponents competing in previous editions.
Well, the meet is on, for now. But the future of the sport and its practitioners are still very much in limbo.
May 16
GOOD sense prevailed, sparing the sport and its practitioners further agony when the Terengganu Taekwondo Association decided yesterday to host the National Junior Championships as scheduled on May 27 to 29.
And for now at least, those who matter most - the children - have been given a reprieve as months of preparations and sacrifices will not go down the drain.
Terengganu Taekwondo Association (TTA) vice-president, Long Abdul Rahman in confirming the tournament will be organised as scheduled, also said that the organisers may re-name the tournament as the MTA have been de-registered.
"We (TTA) will organise the junior championships and it will be held on the same dates which is from May 27 to 29," said Long when contacted yesterday.
"These dates are the most suitable as the second half of the year is normally an examination period in schools.
"As such, there will be no change in the dates."
The MTA's de-registration on May 6 saw a domino effect on taekwondo activities in the country with their chairman Chin Mee Keong announcing the indefinite postponement of the championships three days later.
Mee Keong claimed a directive from Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh was the reason for the postponement, a decision that led to several parents appealing to Sports Minister, Datuk Azalina Othman Said to intervene and rescue the meet.
Which Azalina, after discussions with Idris, did last Thursday.
Azalina assured the organisers of the State and ministry's support but reiterated that the final decision to continue with the tournament lies with the organising committee.
And the TTA have reacted in the best possible manner by going ahead with the tournament.
The junior meet has always attracted a huge interest with some 600 to 800 exponents competing in previous editions.
Well, the meet is on, for now. But the future of the sport and its practitioners are still very much in limbo.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
MALAYSIA: 'We're the victims'
RIZAL HASHIM
May 11
THE de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) yesterday claimed they have become victims of selective persecution.
In a statement issued yesterday, MTA president Ho Kam Phaw said it was strange for the Sports Commissioner to single out the national body while two other bodies – the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and Malaysian Global Taekwondo Federation (MGTF) – escaped his scrutiny.
“It appears the powers-that-be are closing their eyes to the same constitutional structure that is being operated by the other two taekwondo organisations.
“Why is there no attention paid to the other two organisations so that their voting rights are restructured in line with the wishes of the Commissioner?
“The Commissioner’s public statement and his rationale for striking off MTA also applies to the other organisations but strangely, the big stick is only used against MTA,” said Kam Phaw.
Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar, however, said he was in the midst of cleaning up the mess in MGTF.
“I don’t wish to be dragged into an argument with MTA in the Press but for their information, I will have a meeting with MGTF officials soon to discuss certain issues.
“I have only a pair of eyes and I cannot be looking at every single body simultaneously. I have been investigating MGTF for the past two months and upon their request, I have not made any Press statements because they wish to settle their issues amicably and among themselves.
“Since I have made my decision, I will not in future respond to MTA’s remarks.”
Kam Phaw pointed out that MTA saga revolves around the voting rights of associate members .
“The constituency of the full members is represented by all the taekwondo organisations throughout the country including the Armed Forces and university students through the Malaysian Universities Sports Council (Masum). In term of the number of practicioners, these 17 organisations represent largely State interest.
“On the other hand, the associate members represent 49 individual interests who are practising taekwondo principally in the Klang Valley.
“If the 49 individual members are each given voting rights, it will give a weight disproportionate to the whole structure of the MTA membership and the States’ interest would be gravely prejudiced.”
Questioning the validity of the Commissioner’s power to suspend or de-register a body under the Sports Development Act, Kam Phaw said conditions can only be imposed by the Commissioner at the time of registration.
“If the sports body do not comply with the terms, the Commissioner can refuse registration. But once the registration is effected, the Commissioner’s role in the organisational structure of the sports body, by right, is virtually nil.”
In response to Elyas’ contention that the performance of Malaysian exponents had deteriorated over the years, Kam Phaw said the scenario in 1989 was different.
“In 1989, there was neither the Sports Development Act nor the Sports Commissioner breathing down your neck. Secondly, government interference was minimal. Voluntarism was the order of the day. Specifically to MTA, there were no associate members at all, so MTA were able to focus on achieving results.
“The scenario in 2003 had changed radically as voluntarism had taken a backseat, deeply affecting the moral and spirit of sportsmanship and the end result is a deterioration in standards, plus the forced marriage of politics and sports. The glorious days of sports excellence then became a historical fact.”
http://www.mmail.com.my
May 11
THE de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) yesterday claimed they have become victims of selective persecution.
In a statement issued yesterday, MTA president Ho Kam Phaw said it was strange for the Sports Commissioner to single out the national body while two other bodies – the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and Malaysian Global Taekwondo Federation (MGTF) – escaped his scrutiny.
“It appears the powers-that-be are closing their eyes to the same constitutional structure that is being operated by the other two taekwondo organisations.
“Why is there no attention paid to the other two organisations so that their voting rights are restructured in line with the wishes of the Commissioner?
“The Commissioner’s public statement and his rationale for striking off MTA also applies to the other organisations but strangely, the big stick is only used against MTA,” said Kam Phaw.
Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar, however, said he was in the midst of cleaning up the mess in MGTF.
“I don’t wish to be dragged into an argument with MTA in the Press but for their information, I will have a meeting with MGTF officials soon to discuss certain issues.
“I have only a pair of eyes and I cannot be looking at every single body simultaneously. I have been investigating MGTF for the past two months and upon their request, I have not made any Press statements because they wish to settle their issues amicably and among themselves.
“Since I have made my decision, I will not in future respond to MTA’s remarks.”
Kam Phaw pointed out that MTA saga revolves around the voting rights of associate members .
“The constituency of the full members is represented by all the taekwondo organisations throughout the country including the Armed Forces and university students through the Malaysian Universities Sports Council (Masum). In term of the number of practicioners, these 17 organisations represent largely State interest.
“On the other hand, the associate members represent 49 individual interests who are practising taekwondo principally in the Klang Valley.
“If the 49 individual members are each given voting rights, it will give a weight disproportionate to the whole structure of the MTA membership and the States’ interest would be gravely prejudiced.”
Questioning the validity of the Commissioner’s power to suspend or de-register a body under the Sports Development Act, Kam Phaw said conditions can only be imposed by the Commissioner at the time of registration.
“If the sports body do not comply with the terms, the Commissioner can refuse registration. But once the registration is effected, the Commissioner’s role in the organisational structure of the sports body, by right, is virtually nil.”
In response to Elyas’ contention that the performance of Malaysian exponents had deteriorated over the years, Kam Phaw said the scenario in 1989 was different.
“In 1989, there was neither the Sports Development Act nor the Sports Commissioner breathing down your neck. Secondly, government interference was minimal. Voluntarism was the order of the day. Specifically to MTA, there were no associate members at all, so MTA were able to focus on achieving results.
“The scenario in 2003 had changed radically as voluntarism had taken a backseat, deeply affecting the moral and spirit of sportsmanship and the end result is a deterioration in standards, plus the forced marriage of politics and sports. The glorious days of sports excellence then became a historical fact.”
http://www.mmail.com.my
MALAYSIA: BJSS exponents cry foul
S. Selvam
May 15
DISILLUSIONED. That's the general feeling of the 17 national junior taekwondo exponents based at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) after the de-registration of the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA).
Their feelings are shared by their parents, and with no end in sight to the revocation and bitter feud between the MTA office bearers and the Sports Commissioner's office, the parents are holding the office bearers responsible for the predicament.
"Our children don't know what is going to happen to them. Although the teachers at the school have said they can continue studying and training, anything can happen in the next few days," said a parent who declined to be named.
"If the children are asked to leave BJSS, how can they return to their old schools?
"It's going to be embarrassing to them. In fact, our children don't want to go back to their old schools because they fear being ridiculed by their friends. Everybody is disillusioned."
The MTA, the governing body for taekwondo (under the World Taekwondo Federation system) in the country, were de-registered on May 6 by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar for failing to grant clubs voting rights and direct membership as directed by the latter.
Following the revocation, National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Mazlan Ahmad said the agency will have no choice but to withdraw their support to the various training programmes for taekwondo, including the junior programme in BJSS.
However, he emphasised that NSC will only withdraw their support if the MTA are still de-registered even after exhausting all avenues of appeal under the Sports Development Act, 1997.
Under the Act, the MTA can appeal to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said within 30 days from the date of notification of the revocation.
After several years of trying, NSC and BJSS finally opened their doors to taekwondo with a batch of 17, nine boys and eight girls, exponents admitted to the school last March.
"As parents, we are disillusioned and angry as well. If our children are going to suffer, we have to do something about it," added the parent.
"In fact, we had several discussions and all agree that the guardians of the sport should be held responsible."
Ironically, the 17 exponents are on Pangkor Island undergoing a motivation camp organised by NSC.
But it looks like years of hard work are going to go to waste if the incidents over the past few months are not settled soon.
Source http://www.nst.com.my
May 15
DISILLUSIONED. That's the general feeling of the 17 national junior taekwondo exponents based at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) after the de-registration of the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA).
Their feelings are shared by their parents, and with no end in sight to the revocation and bitter feud between the MTA office bearers and the Sports Commissioner's office, the parents are holding the office bearers responsible for the predicament.
"Our children don't know what is going to happen to them. Although the teachers at the school have said they can continue studying and training, anything can happen in the next few days," said a parent who declined to be named.
"If the children are asked to leave BJSS, how can they return to their old schools?
"It's going to be embarrassing to them. In fact, our children don't want to go back to their old schools because they fear being ridiculed by their friends. Everybody is disillusioned."
The MTA, the governing body for taekwondo (under the World Taekwondo Federation system) in the country, were de-registered on May 6 by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar for failing to grant clubs voting rights and direct membership as directed by the latter.
Following the revocation, National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Mazlan Ahmad said the agency will have no choice but to withdraw their support to the various training programmes for taekwondo, including the junior programme in BJSS.
However, he emphasised that NSC will only withdraw their support if the MTA are still de-registered even after exhausting all avenues of appeal under the Sports Development Act, 1997.
Under the Act, the MTA can appeal to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said within 30 days from the date of notification of the revocation.
After several years of trying, NSC and BJSS finally opened their doors to taekwondo with a batch of 17, nine boys and eight girls, exponents admitted to the school last March.
"As parents, we are disillusioned and angry as well. If our children are going to suffer, we have to do something about it," added the parent.
"In fact, we had several discussions and all agree that the guardians of the sport should be held responsible."
Ironically, the 17 exponents are on Pangkor Island undergoing a motivation camp organised by NSC.
But it looks like years of hard work are going to go to waste if the incidents over the past few months are not settled soon.
Source http://www.nst.com.my
Friday, May 13, 2005
MALAYSIA: Azalina saves national junior meet
By S. Selvam
May 13:
STRIKING a blow for taekwondo, Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, yesterday reinstated the National Junior Taekwondo Championships with the help of Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
The junior championships which will go on as scheduled on May 27-29, have the blessings of both the Sports Ministry and the State Government.
The organising committee, the Terengganu Taekwondo Association (TTA) will be given the necessary support to organise the three-day championships.
If anything, the decision whether to continue with the championships lies solely with TTA.
TTA president Datuk Razali Ismail could not be contacted for comment.
"We (Azalina and Idris) discussed the status of the championships and have no problems with the meet going on as scheduled," said Azalina yesterday.
"The de-registration of MTA (Malaysian Taekwondo Association, the sport’s governing body in the country) will not affect the tournament or the State as it is a different issue altogether.
"As is the suit filed against the Government. As such, the tournament should go on as planned.
"In fact, this was spelt out by the Sports Commissioner (Tan Sri Elyas Omar) as well when he revoked the registration of MTA."
The National Junior Championships, although they may be re-named, are hosted by TTA, an affiliate of MTA.
According to Elyas, taekwondo activities at the State, district and club levels can still go on as it is only MTA who are de-registered.
Malaysia’s participation at the international level, however, will be affected.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong announced the postponement on Monday citing Idris’ directive as the reason for the postponement.
Subsequently, several parents appealed to Azalina to intervene to save the championships as they have been preparing for the past five months.
According to the parents, tickets and room reservations have been made while several clubs even booked buses for the championships.
The parents also said that the children should not be the victims for the misdeeds of officials.
"We (Sports Ministry and State Government) have given the go ahead to the organisers to host the meet. It is now up to them," said Azalina.
Azalina and the State Government have done their part. It is now in TTA’s
Source from htt://www.nst.com.my
May 13:
STRIKING a blow for taekwondo, Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, yesterday reinstated the National Junior Taekwondo Championships with the help of Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
The junior championships which will go on as scheduled on May 27-29, have the blessings of both the Sports Ministry and the State Government.
The organising committee, the Terengganu Taekwondo Association (TTA) will be given the necessary support to organise the three-day championships.
If anything, the decision whether to continue with the championships lies solely with TTA.
TTA president Datuk Razali Ismail could not be contacted for comment.
"We (Azalina and Idris) discussed the status of the championships and have no problems with the meet going on as scheduled," said Azalina yesterday.
"The de-registration of MTA (Malaysian Taekwondo Association, the sport’s governing body in the country) will not affect the tournament or the State as it is a different issue altogether.
"As is the suit filed against the Government. As such, the tournament should go on as planned.
"In fact, this was spelt out by the Sports Commissioner (Tan Sri Elyas Omar) as well when he revoked the registration of MTA."
The National Junior Championships, although they may be re-named, are hosted by TTA, an affiliate of MTA.
According to Elyas, taekwondo activities at the State, district and club levels can still go on as it is only MTA who are de-registered.
Malaysia’s participation at the international level, however, will be affected.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong announced the postponement on Monday citing Idris’ directive as the reason for the postponement.
Subsequently, several parents appealed to Azalina to intervene to save the championships as they have been preparing for the past five months.
According to the parents, tickets and room reservations have been made while several clubs even booked buses for the championships.
The parents also said that the children should not be the victims for the misdeeds of officials.
"We (Sports Ministry and State Government) have given the go ahead to the organisers to host the meet. It is now up to them," said Azalina.
Azalina and the State Government have done their part. It is now in TTA’s
Source from htt://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: SAVE THE NATIONAL JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS CAMPAIGN: Parents call for Azalina’s help
By S. Selvam
May 12:
ONE parent asked for a deferment before taking up his new job as he wanted to see his child compete in the National Junior Taekwondo Championships in Terengganu on May 27-29.
Another parent, who works abroad, made sure his holidays coincided with the championships, also for the same reason — to witness his child compete against the top exponents in the country.
Another has invested, this year, some RM7,000 on four of his children over the past five months to make the trip to Terengganu.
But alas, all efforts and sacrifices seem to be in vain as all hopes of salvaging the championships diminish by the day.
And with the Terengganu Taekwondo Association, who are hosting the tournament, unable to even give an alternative date for the postponed championships, the parents want Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said to intervene.
Or for that matter, anybody or party that is interested to see innocent children spared the punishment for the misdeeds of officials.
"It may be a small matter to many people, but to us (parents and children) it is the biggest event of the year, something at we look forward to with great expectation," said a parent who spoke on behalf of some 40 parents.
"I have four kids in taekwondo and spend between RM400 and RM500 a month on the sport and to prepare for the championships. And my kids have been training since November last year.
"We have also booked hotel rooms, tickets and applied for leave to be with them (children) in Terengganu. But now, they tell us that the championships have been postponed.
"What am I going to tell my kids now. What have they done to deserve this?"
Taekwondo’s governing body, the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), was de-registered by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar for hindering the development of the sport last Friday.
While the National Championships last weekend was organised without a glitch, the junior championships have been postponed indefinitely.
According to MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong, the postponement was on the instruction of Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh."We had high hopes for these championships but now it has been postponed. Some of us told our children to concentrate on the sport for the first half of the year, and studies in the second part of the year," said another parent.
"But with the postponement, should they continue training when they (Terengganu Taekwondo Association) can’t even give us a new date for the championships."
Which is why they want Azalina to intervene, sooner than later
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
May 12:
ONE parent asked for a deferment before taking up his new job as he wanted to see his child compete in the National Junior Taekwondo Championships in Terengganu on May 27-29.
Another parent, who works abroad, made sure his holidays coincided with the championships, also for the same reason — to witness his child compete against the top exponents in the country.
Another has invested, this year, some RM7,000 on four of his children over the past five months to make the trip to Terengganu.
But alas, all efforts and sacrifices seem to be in vain as all hopes of salvaging the championships diminish by the day.
And with the Terengganu Taekwondo Association, who are hosting the tournament, unable to even give an alternative date for the postponed championships, the parents want Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said to intervene.
Or for that matter, anybody or party that is interested to see innocent children spared the punishment for the misdeeds of officials.
"It may be a small matter to many people, but to us (parents and children) it is the biggest event of the year, something at we look forward to with great expectation," said a parent who spoke on behalf of some 40 parents.
"I have four kids in taekwondo and spend between RM400 and RM500 a month on the sport and to prepare for the championships. And my kids have been training since November last year.
"We have also booked hotel rooms, tickets and applied for leave to be with them (children) in Terengganu. But now, they tell us that the championships have been postponed.
"What am I going to tell my kids now. What have they done to deserve this?"
Taekwondo’s governing body, the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), was de-registered by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar for hindering the development of the sport last Friday.
While the National Championships last weekend was organised without a glitch, the junior championships have been postponed indefinitely.
According to MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong, the postponement was on the instruction of Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh."We had high hopes for these championships but now it has been postponed. Some of us told our children to concentrate on the sport for the first half of the year, and studies in the second part of the year," said another parent.
"But with the postponement, should they continue training when they (Terengganu Taekwondo Association) can’t even give us a new date for the championships."
Which is why they want Azalina to intervene, sooner than later
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Thursday, May 12, 2005
MALAYSIA:Counterpoint, Strike a blow for taekwondo, Azalina
by Lazarus Rokk
May 11
THE hardest decisions made by man must surely be the harshest ones, especially those that dictate the necessity to be cruel to be kind. We've all been there at one time or another.
Likewise for the Government, shutting down national sports associations will never be an easy decision to make even if it's opulently cushioned by an explicable sense of justice.
But when pragmatism demands the right judgement, the verdict must be swift, no matter how unkind it may appear.
And although we are far from being the Government's mouth-piece, in this respect I must however assign an "A" to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, and Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar for temporarily shutting down the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA).
MTA were de-registered by Elyas last Friday.
But having made that conviction, there are however some mitigating factors that need to be considered in an exercise of this nature where the injured parties suffering the brunt of the blow would significantly be the sport and its innocent athletes.
This being the case, it would seem that the Sports Development Act that was applied in the de-registration of the national body, would need to be amended so that the ones who would be feeling the pain of such harsh decisions would centrally be the perpetrators.
In this respect, the ones who should be facing the wrath of the Act shouldn't be the association, but the administrators, in this case the general council.
The Act should allow the association to continue operating, but by an ad hoc committee that could either be appointed by the Ministry or the Olympic Council of Malaysia, until such time when matters have been resolved.
Even though Elyas had allowed for tournaments to go on as scheduled, one of the repercussions of the decision was the postponement of the national junior championships scheduled for May 27-29 at Kuala Terengganu.
Chairman of the de-registered MTA, Chin Mee Keong, claimed that following the turn of events, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh had asked them to postpone the championships.
Whether or not Chin and his mates are seeking leverage against the Government from the postponement, perhaps the parties concerned should listen to the plea of a mother of a taekwondo exponent, who was representing a group of parents.
"We are not interested in the politics of the MTA, but we want the national junior championships to go on as scheduled.
"We have applied for leave, we have paid for flight tickets, made room reservations, but above all our children have been training so hard for the competition, so what's going to happen to all these now.
"Why must we all pay the price for someone else's mistake?"
TimeSport is not interested, nor involved in the politics either. What we would like to see is justice to be done, but the sport to go on.
We would like to see this national junior championships go on as scheduled in Kuala Terengganu, even if it has to be hosted by another body.
In this respect, I would like to suggest that the National Sports Council (NSC) step in as the new hosts for this meet, as a show of good faith by a body partly responsible for the de-registration.
The Government who are being partly held responsible by the parents and exponents alike for the postponement, would step out of this ring looking like champions if they can re-instate the "suspended" national junior championships.
Strike a blow for taekwondo, Ms Minister.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
May 11
THE hardest decisions made by man must surely be the harshest ones, especially those that dictate the necessity to be cruel to be kind. We've all been there at one time or another.
Likewise for the Government, shutting down national sports associations will never be an easy decision to make even if it's opulently cushioned by an explicable sense of justice.
But when pragmatism demands the right judgement, the verdict must be swift, no matter how unkind it may appear.
And although we are far from being the Government's mouth-piece, in this respect I must however assign an "A" to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, and Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar for temporarily shutting down the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA).
MTA were de-registered by Elyas last Friday.
But having made that conviction, there are however some mitigating factors that need to be considered in an exercise of this nature where the injured parties suffering the brunt of the blow would significantly be the sport and its innocent athletes.
This being the case, it would seem that the Sports Development Act that was applied in the de-registration of the national body, would need to be amended so that the ones who would be feeling the pain of such harsh decisions would centrally be the perpetrators.
In this respect, the ones who should be facing the wrath of the Act shouldn't be the association, but the administrators, in this case the general council.
The Act should allow the association to continue operating, but by an ad hoc committee that could either be appointed by the Ministry or the Olympic Council of Malaysia, until such time when matters have been resolved.
Even though Elyas had allowed for tournaments to go on as scheduled, one of the repercussions of the decision was the postponement of the national junior championships scheduled for May 27-29 at Kuala Terengganu.
Chairman of the de-registered MTA, Chin Mee Keong, claimed that following the turn of events, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh had asked them to postpone the championships.
Whether or not Chin and his mates are seeking leverage against the Government from the postponement, perhaps the parties concerned should listen to the plea of a mother of a taekwondo exponent, who was representing a group of parents.
"We are not interested in the politics of the MTA, but we want the national junior championships to go on as scheduled.
"We have applied for leave, we have paid for flight tickets, made room reservations, but above all our children have been training so hard for the competition, so what's going to happen to all these now.
"Why must we all pay the price for someone else's mistake?"
TimeSport is not interested, nor involved in the politics either. What we would like to see is justice to be done, but the sport to go on.
We would like to see this national junior championships go on as scheduled in Kuala Terengganu, even if it has to be hosted by another body.
In this respect, I would like to suggest that the National Sports Council (NSC) step in as the new hosts for this meet, as a show of good faith by a body partly responsible for the de-registration.
The Government who are being partly held responsible by the parents and exponents alike for the postponement, would step out of this ring looking like champions if they can re-instate the "suspended" national junior championships.
Strike a blow for taekwondo, Ms Minister.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Monday, May 09, 2005
MALAYSIA:National exponents stand to lose if things are not resolved
Monday May 9, 2005
BANGI: The Malaysian Taekwondo Association, who were de-registered last Friday, are in the midst of sorting out their differences with the Sports Commissioner's office and they have about a month to do so.
But there is no doubt the exponents, especially the ones in the national team, will be the ones to suffer if things are not resolved by then.
There is a plan for a training stint in South Korea at the end of the month but national head coach R. Dhanaraj said yesterday that they might have to call it off.
“The plan was to sent the exponents we have identified as medal prospects for the SEA Games (in Manila in November) to train in Seoul for about two months,” he said.
“They were also down to compete in the Korean Open. It looks like we have to forget about it or postpone it to a later date if the states are willing to fund the exponents.”
Eight exponents – three men and five women – were down for the stint in South Korea.
The three men are Rusfredy Petrus, Syed Taufik, and R. Surendran while the five women are National Sportswoman of the Year Elaine Teo, Che Chew Chan, Nornadia Norrizan, Noordiana Norrizan and Busan Asian Games bronze medallist Lee Pei Fen.
Of the eight, Elaine and Chew Chan are under the 2006 elite programme for the Asian Games.
On Friday, Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar made the decision to de-register the association under Section 20 (1) of the Sports Development Act 1997.
The MTA, who are affiliated to the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), have been given 30 days from Friday to make an appeal against the decision.
The MTA, who have 17 affiliates and 49 associate members, ran into problems last year because the associate members did not have voting rights.
The associate members then tried to fight for their rights by forming “associate clubs of MTA” and “associate clubs committee”.
The association have ceased to exist for the time being. But if things dragged longer than one month, the athletes in the national team based at National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil may even have to move out.
The worst scenario is that Malaysia may not have a taekwondo team in the SEA Games.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
BANGI: The Malaysian Taekwondo Association, who were de-registered last Friday, are in the midst of sorting out their differences with the Sports Commissioner's office and they have about a month to do so.
But there is no doubt the exponents, especially the ones in the national team, will be the ones to suffer if things are not resolved by then.
There is a plan for a training stint in South Korea at the end of the month but national head coach R. Dhanaraj said yesterday that they might have to call it off.
“The plan was to sent the exponents we have identified as medal prospects for the SEA Games (in Manila in November) to train in Seoul for about two months,” he said.
“They were also down to compete in the Korean Open. It looks like we have to forget about it or postpone it to a later date if the states are willing to fund the exponents.”
Eight exponents – three men and five women – were down for the stint in South Korea.
The three men are Rusfredy Petrus, Syed Taufik, and R. Surendran while the five women are National Sportswoman of the Year Elaine Teo, Che Chew Chan, Nornadia Norrizan, Noordiana Norrizan and Busan Asian Games bronze medallist Lee Pei Fen.
Of the eight, Elaine and Chew Chan are under the 2006 elite programme for the Asian Games.
On Friday, Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar made the decision to de-register the association under Section 20 (1) of the Sports Development Act 1997.
The MTA, who are affiliated to the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), have been given 30 days from Friday to make an appeal against the decision.
The MTA, who have 17 affiliates and 49 associate members, ran into problems last year because the associate members did not have voting rights.
The associate members then tried to fight for their rights by forming “associate clubs of MTA” and “associate clubs committee”.
The association have ceased to exist for the time being. But if things dragged longer than one month, the athletes in the national team based at National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil may even have to move out.
The worst scenario is that Malaysia may not have a taekwondo team in the SEA Games.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
Sunday, May 08, 2005
MALAYSIA: National body seek lawyers’ advice after de-registration
BY LIM TEIK HUAT
Sunday May 8, 2005
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), who were de-registered by the Sports Commissioner's office on Friday, will leave it to their lawyers to decide on the next course of action.
Former MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong said the news that they had been de-registered came as a shock to them and felt there was no reason for the sports commissioner to take such drastic action.
Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar made the decision to de-register the association under Section 20 (1) of the Sports Development Act 1997, stating that the national body had become a “hindrance” to the development of the sport in the country.
Strangely enough, MTA's Elaine Two was named Sportswoman of the Year in March while Chin himself was given the Sports Leadership Award.
MTA have been given 30 days to appeal against the de-registration to the Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said.
MTA are affiliated to the Seoul-based World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).
“This decision to strike us off came as a surprise to us. There was no necessity to take this action,” said Mee Keong.
“The Sports Commissioner's office wanted us to amend the constitution and give clubs voting rights in the first place.
“We came to an agreement at that time and we were given time to work out the criteria by two months.
“But they have decided to take action all of a sudden,” he added.
Mee Keong said that the former office bearers of MTA had also made attempts to seek appointments with Azalina and the Sports Commissioner's office but had not been successful.
“We are not trying to fight the government. We are the national body and have been so for the last 30 years.”
MTA, who have 17 affiliated full members and 49 associate members, ran into problems because the associate members did not have voting rights.
The associate members then tried to fight for their rights by forming “associate clubs of MTA” and “associate clubs committee.”
MTA responded by firing the club's founder. MTA president Tan Sri Mohd Ghazali Seth and his deputy Datuk Mohd Nazim Abdul Razak subsequently stepped down last November.
On the question of what happens to their coaches and athletes in the national team now, Mee Keong said they would continue training as usual.
“We have about 30 days to consider on what grounds to appeal.
“We have to see how things go. It is possible some of the athletes may be thinking of going back to the states.”
The national taekwondo championships began yesterday at the Uniten Complex in Bangi. With MTA de-registered, the championships are now being organised by the Kuala Lumpur taekwondo association.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
Sunday May 8, 2005
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), who were de-registered by the Sports Commissioner's office on Friday, will leave it to their lawyers to decide on the next course of action.
Former MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong said the news that they had been de-registered came as a shock to them and felt there was no reason for the sports commissioner to take such drastic action.
Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar made the decision to de-register the association under Section 20 (1) of the Sports Development Act 1997, stating that the national body had become a “hindrance” to the development of the sport in the country.
Strangely enough, MTA's Elaine Two was named Sportswoman of the Year in March while Chin himself was given the Sports Leadership Award.
MTA have been given 30 days to appeal against the de-registration to the Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said.
MTA are affiliated to the Seoul-based World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).
“This decision to strike us off came as a surprise to us. There was no necessity to take this action,” said Mee Keong.
“The Sports Commissioner's office wanted us to amend the constitution and give clubs voting rights in the first place.
“We came to an agreement at that time and we were given time to work out the criteria by two months.
“But they have decided to take action all of a sudden,” he added.
Mee Keong said that the former office bearers of MTA had also made attempts to seek appointments with Azalina and the Sports Commissioner's office but had not been successful.
“We are not trying to fight the government. We are the national body and have been so for the last 30 years.”
MTA, who have 17 affiliated full members and 49 associate members, ran into problems because the associate members did not have voting rights.
The associate members then tried to fight for their rights by forming “associate clubs of MTA” and “associate clubs committee.”
MTA responded by firing the club's founder. MTA president Tan Sri Mohd Ghazali Seth and his deputy Datuk Mohd Nazim Abdul Razak subsequently stepped down last November.
On the question of what happens to their coaches and athletes in the national team now, Mee Keong said they would continue training as usual.
“We have about 30 days to consider on what grounds to appeal.
“We have to see how things go. It is possible some of the athletes may be thinking of going back to the states.”
The national taekwondo championships began yesterday at the Uniten Complex in Bangi. With MTA de-registered, the championships are now being organised by the Kuala Lumpur taekwondo association.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
MALAYSIA: OCM offer assistance to MTA
Sunday May 8, 2005
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) can seek assistance from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) to help them get re-registered with the Sports Commissioner’s Office, OCM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar said.
“We want them to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Our position is to try and help in the matter as much as we can,” he told reporters after chairing the 136th OCM council meeting here yesterday.
He said it was important to re-register the MTA as any delay in the matter would only affect the preparation of athletes who were going for any international championship or tournament.
“It is the athletes who will suffer eventually.
“They cannot compete in international championships and it may even affect their preparations for the SEA Games (in Manila in November). There may be problems in selection,” he said.
Tunku Imran said OCM would help the MTA, the national body affiliated to the Seoul-based World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the only body recognised by the International Olympic Committee. – Bernama
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) can seek assistance from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) to help them get re-registered with the Sports Commissioner’s Office, OCM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar said.
“We want them to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Our position is to try and help in the matter as much as we can,” he told reporters after chairing the 136th OCM council meeting here yesterday.
He said it was important to re-register the MTA as any delay in the matter would only affect the preparation of athletes who were going for any international championship or tournament.
“It is the athletes who will suffer eventually.
“They cannot compete in international championships and it may even affect their preparations for the SEA Games (in Manila in November). There may be problems in selection,” he said.
Tunku Imran said OCM would help the MTA, the national body affiliated to the Seoul-based World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the only body recognised by the International Olympic Committee. – Bernama
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
MALAYSIA: It's all down to you, MTA
Comment by S. SELVAM
May 8
THE line separating defiance and standing up to one's rights is so fine that it sometimes becomes blurred. As it is between being arrogance and clever.
And in the case of the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), the perception would depend on one's point of view or one's allegiance to the warring factions, in this case, MTA and the Sports Commissioner's office.
MTA's defiant stand, which eventually led to their de-registration, to some, will be a case of an association fighting to save their sport. To the detractors, it is one of sheer arrogance.
MTA were de-registered by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar on Friday for hindering the development of the sport as they have set too many conditions in admitting the clubs to their voting structure.
As for Elyas' detractors, it would be a case of the Government trying to interfere in the autonomy of MTA. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Was Elyas right in revoking MTA's registration? Were MTA right in being defiant?
There is simply no right and wrong answer to that one.
But one thing is for sure, the sport is going to suffer if a solution is not found, and more importantly, one that is accepted to all parties, as soon as possible.
If MTA stay de-registered, 17 taekwondo exponents who were only admitted to the Bukit Jalil Sports School last month, after several years of trying to get taekwondo included, have to move out.
So will the two elite athletes groomed to win medals at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, and another 10 exponents in the backup squad.
Which is why it is imperative for MTA president Ho Kam Phaw to appeal to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said to 're-register" MTA.
The sport's fate, amazingly, is still very much in MTA's hands. A fact which even Elyas and Azalina will attest to.
After all, some of the 29 district and State associations that were de-registered two months ago are on the verge of being re-registered after successful appeals.
All Elyas asked for, and rightly so, is to give active and performing clubs a say in the decision making process of MTA.
So instead of adopting a confrontational attitude, it is time for MTA to take a more conciliatory approach.
Dropping their legal action could be one way. Giving a written guarantee that clubs will be given a say, even if it is five votes, could be another.
Whatever it is, the matter is out of Elyas' hands. But the ball is very much at MTA's feet.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
May 8
THE line separating defiance and standing up to one's rights is so fine that it sometimes becomes blurred. As it is between being arrogance and clever.
And in the case of the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), the perception would depend on one's point of view or one's allegiance to the warring factions, in this case, MTA and the Sports Commissioner's office.
MTA's defiant stand, which eventually led to their de-registration, to some, will be a case of an association fighting to save their sport. To the detractors, it is one of sheer arrogance.
MTA were de-registered by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar on Friday for hindering the development of the sport as they have set too many conditions in admitting the clubs to their voting structure.
As for Elyas' detractors, it would be a case of the Government trying to interfere in the autonomy of MTA. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Was Elyas right in revoking MTA's registration? Were MTA right in being defiant?
There is simply no right and wrong answer to that one.
But one thing is for sure, the sport is going to suffer if a solution is not found, and more importantly, one that is accepted to all parties, as soon as possible.
If MTA stay de-registered, 17 taekwondo exponents who were only admitted to the Bukit Jalil Sports School last month, after several years of trying to get taekwondo included, have to move out.
So will the two elite athletes groomed to win medals at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, and another 10 exponents in the backup squad.
Which is why it is imperative for MTA president Ho Kam Phaw to appeal to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said to 're-register" MTA.
The sport's fate, amazingly, is still very much in MTA's hands. A fact which even Elyas and Azalina will attest to.
After all, some of the 29 district and State associations that were de-registered two months ago are on the verge of being re-registered after successful appeals.
All Elyas asked for, and rightly so, is to give active and performing clubs a say in the decision making process of MTA.
So instead of adopting a confrontational attitude, it is time for MTA to take a more conciliatory approach.
Dropping their legal action could be one way. Giving a written guarantee that clubs will be given a say, even if it is five votes, could be another.
Whatever it is, the matter is out of Elyas' hands. But the ball is very much at MTA's feet.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Saturday, May 07, 2005
MALAYSIA: Bleak day for taekwondo
Saturday May 7, 2005
KUALA LUMPUR: The troubled Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) was de-registered by the Sports Commissioner yesterday – on the eve of the sport's national championships.
Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar said the decision to de-register the association was made because the national body for taekwondo had become a “hindrance” to the development of the sport in the country.
He said MTA had 30 days from yesterday to appeal against the decision to the Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said.
“After considering all the facts and the implications for the sport, I have no choice but to de-register MTA according to Section 20 (1) (e) of the Sports Development Act 1997,” he told reporters at a press conference in his office at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Under the law, the Sports Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that the sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
MTA is a national body affiliated to the Seoul-based World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).
Elyas also distributed to the reporters photocopies of the 13-page MTA deregistration report and the reasons for the de-registration.
He said the trouble started last year and involved MTA affiliated members – 17 full members and 49 associate members – because the associate members did not have voting rights.
“The associate members tried to fight for their rights by forming 'associate clubs of MTA' and 'associate clubs committee'.
“MTA responded by firing the club's founder. Following this, MTA president (Tan Sri Mohd Ghazali Seth) and his deputy (Datuk Mohd Nazim Abdul Razak) stepped down last November,” he said.
The championships, meanwhile, will go on with a state body taking over the organisation. The weighing-in for the various weight categories was held yesterday.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: The troubled Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) was de-registered by the Sports Commissioner yesterday – on the eve of the sport's national championships.
Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar said the decision to de-register the association was made because the national body for taekwondo had become a “hindrance” to the development of the sport in the country.
He said MTA had 30 days from yesterday to appeal against the decision to the Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said.
“After considering all the facts and the implications for the sport, I have no choice but to de-register MTA according to Section 20 (1) (e) of the Sports Development Act 1997,” he told reporters at a press conference in his office at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Under the law, the Sports Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that the sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
MTA is a national body affiliated to the Seoul-based World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).
Elyas also distributed to the reporters photocopies of the 13-page MTA deregistration report and the reasons for the de-registration.
He said the trouble started last year and involved MTA affiliated members – 17 full members and 49 associate members – because the associate members did not have voting rights.
“The associate members tried to fight for their rights by forming 'associate clubs of MTA' and 'associate clubs committee'.
“MTA responded by firing the club's founder. Following this, MTA president (Tan Sri Mohd Ghazali Seth) and his deputy (Datuk Mohd Nazim Abdul Razak) stepped down last November,” he said.
The championships, meanwhile, will go on with a state body taking over the organisation. The weighing-in for the various weight categories was held yesterday.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
MALAYSIA:MTA de-registered
By S. Selvam
May 7:
THE Malaysian Taekwondo Association — through their sheer defiance — were de-registered yesterday by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar, making it the first national body to be struck off since the introduction of the Sports Development Act in 1997.
The national body have 30 days to appeal to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said against the revocation.
"Having considered carefully the case of MTA in relation to their constitutional amendments, in particular to the offending provisions in Article 5.8 and 6.4 of the amendment, as well as the reply from MTA to the show cause letter, the Sports Commissioner has come to the conclusion that there are compelling reasons to invoke Clause 20 (1) (e) and to revoke the registration of MTA with effect from today (yesterday)," said Elyas at his office in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Clause 20(1)(e) of the Sports Act states that the Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that such a sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
The critical issue underlying the MTA case revolved around the voting rights of the clubs, described by MTA as associate members.
Although clubs are the biggest contributors of monies and suppliers of exponents to the national teams, they don’t have a voice when it comes to the decision making process of MTA. Despite a directive from Azalina and Elyas’ personal efforts in organising a dialogue and presenting several models of governance granting clubs voting rights, MTA, helmed by president Ho Kam Phaw and chairman Chin Mee Keong, never got around to complying with the directive.
Article 5.8 of MTA’s amendment reads: "Club shall mean a taekwondo (MTA/WTF) club duly registered with the Sports Commissioner of Malaysia under the Sports Development Act 1997, whose instructors are registered with the Association and licensed to promote, propagate and teach the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) system."
Article 6.4, on the other hand, states that the General Council may admit membership from duly constituted club as herein before defined.
The General Council may at their absolute discretion deem fit admit a club as a member with or without voting rights depending on the criteria the General Council may formulate from time to time. And as far as Elyas is concerned, these amendments imposed too many pre-conditions on clubs and even then, left the clubs with no assurance that they will be given voting rights or of their status with the association.
"Rather than adopting a positive approach by offering incentives in the form of easy passage to membership with voting rights to dynamic, active and high performance clubs, the MTA had chosen to adopt a negative and obstructionist approach."
However, it could not be determined if MTA officials had received Elyas’ decision as Sports Commission officials could not contact them. The MTA office in Wisma OCM was also closed in the afternoon.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
May 7:
THE Malaysian Taekwondo Association — through their sheer defiance — were de-registered yesterday by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar, making it the first national body to be struck off since the introduction of the Sports Development Act in 1997.
The national body have 30 days to appeal to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said against the revocation.
"Having considered carefully the case of MTA in relation to their constitutional amendments, in particular to the offending provisions in Article 5.8 and 6.4 of the amendment, as well as the reply from MTA to the show cause letter, the Sports Commissioner has come to the conclusion that there are compelling reasons to invoke Clause 20 (1) (e) and to revoke the registration of MTA with effect from today (yesterday)," said Elyas at his office in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Clause 20(1)(e) of the Sports Act states that the Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that such a sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
The critical issue underlying the MTA case revolved around the voting rights of the clubs, described by MTA as associate members.
Although clubs are the biggest contributors of monies and suppliers of exponents to the national teams, they don’t have a voice when it comes to the decision making process of MTA. Despite a directive from Azalina and Elyas’ personal efforts in organising a dialogue and presenting several models of governance granting clubs voting rights, MTA, helmed by president Ho Kam Phaw and chairman Chin Mee Keong, never got around to complying with the directive.
Article 5.8 of MTA’s amendment reads: "Club shall mean a taekwondo (MTA/WTF) club duly registered with the Sports Commissioner of Malaysia under the Sports Development Act 1997, whose instructors are registered with the Association and licensed to promote, propagate and teach the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) system."
Article 6.4, on the other hand, states that the General Council may admit membership from duly constituted club as herein before defined.
The General Council may at their absolute discretion deem fit admit a club as a member with or without voting rights depending on the criteria the General Council may formulate from time to time. And as far as Elyas is concerned, these amendments imposed too many pre-conditions on clubs and even then, left the clubs with no assurance that they will be given voting rights or of their status with the association.
"Rather than adopting a positive approach by offering incentives in the form of easy passage to membership with voting rights to dynamic, active and high performance clubs, the MTA had chosen to adopt a negative and obstructionist approach."
However, it could not be determined if MTA officials had received Elyas’ decision as Sports Commission officials could not contact them. The MTA office in Wisma OCM was also closed in the afternoon.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
MALAYSIA: 33 clubs take up Elyas’ advice
S. Selvam
May 4:
SPORTS Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar’s advice to taekwondo clubs to register with his office is gaining momentum.
As at April 30, 33 clubs had applied to the Sports Commissioner’s office to be registered which is a huge improvement considering none of the 40-strong Malaysian Taekwondo Association’s (MTA) associate members (clubs) did so just two and a half months ago.
And Assistant Sports Commissioner 1, Asmadi Mohamad believes, given time, more clubs will come forward to register with the Commissioner’s office.
"As at April 30, 33 clubs have applied to the Sports Commissioner’s office for registration," said Asmadi when met at the Commissioner’s office in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"However, the number could be more as some of the applications may be with the Sports Commissioner (Elyas) or Principal Assistant Sports Commissioner (Raja Abdul Kadir Raja Omar).
"We are processing the applications and as soon as they are approved, we will inform the clubs."
The MTA have a successful club structure that has produced many national exponents but the clubs have been unable to have a say in the running of the association as they don't have voting rights.
In fact, some of these clubs are more active, if not equally so, than the State associations and provide the bulk of exponents for the national team and organise their own competitions.
There are also clubs that send their promising athletes for competitions abroad without depending on the national body for financial assistance.
However, one of the arguments in support of not granting the clubs voting rights is that the clubs are registered with the Registrar of Business (ROB) and are not deemed as pure sports clubs.
But Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said issued a directive to the MTA to give clubs direct affiliation and voting rights in January and Elyas followed up with a dialogue on Feb 16 and presented the association with five models of governance, all granting clubs voting rights.
But Elyas also spelt out one condition — only clubs that are registered with his office will be able to enjoy these privileges (direct affiliation with voting rights).
And to date, 33 of the clubs have heeded Elyas’ call.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
May 4:
SPORTS Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar’s advice to taekwondo clubs to register with his office is gaining momentum.
As at April 30, 33 clubs had applied to the Sports Commissioner’s office to be registered which is a huge improvement considering none of the 40-strong Malaysian Taekwondo Association’s (MTA) associate members (clubs) did so just two and a half months ago.
And Assistant Sports Commissioner 1, Asmadi Mohamad believes, given time, more clubs will come forward to register with the Commissioner’s office.
"As at April 30, 33 clubs have applied to the Sports Commissioner’s office for registration," said Asmadi when met at the Commissioner’s office in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"However, the number could be more as some of the applications may be with the Sports Commissioner (Elyas) or Principal Assistant Sports Commissioner (Raja Abdul Kadir Raja Omar).
"We are processing the applications and as soon as they are approved, we will inform the clubs."
The MTA have a successful club structure that has produced many national exponents but the clubs have been unable to have a say in the running of the association as they don't have voting rights.
In fact, some of these clubs are more active, if not equally so, than the State associations and provide the bulk of exponents for the national team and organise their own competitions.
There are also clubs that send their promising athletes for competitions abroad without depending on the national body for financial assistance.
However, one of the arguments in support of not granting the clubs voting rights is that the clubs are registered with the Registrar of Business (ROB) and are not deemed as pure sports clubs.
But Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said issued a directive to the MTA to give clubs direct affiliation and voting rights in January and Elyas followed up with a dialogue on Feb 16 and presented the association with five models of governance, all granting clubs voting rights.
But Elyas also spelt out one condition — only clubs that are registered with his office will be able to enjoy these privileges (direct affiliation with voting rights).
And to date, 33 of the clubs have heeded Elyas’ call.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
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