MALAYSIA: MAIL@TIMESPORT: Elyas’ argument on MTA unfounded

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