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But yesterday, Yusof rescinded all support and said they would seek a meeting with Elyas and Azalina to find a solution.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
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