MALAYSIA: Azalina: Accept different factions

S. Selvam
June 22:

NATIONAL interest must be the priority and sports that have several national associations should come under one umbrella body in order to select the best athletes to represent the country.

In fact, Sports Minister Azalina Othman Said believes more associations should emulate the governance practised by the National Silat Federation (Pesaka) and Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf), who recognise different factions as affiliates.

"As far as we (Sports Ministry) are concerned, national interest must come first. And this means we need the best athletes to represent the country," said Azalina after her official visit to the national bodybuilding squad at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

"But this would only be possible if the selection is open to all, irrespective of which faction or association they come from."

Pesaka, the umbrella body for silat, has 386 associations affiliated to it with an estimated membership of three million.

Although there are different forms of silat, they all come under Pesaka.

Makaf, while recognising State associations, also have different factions like Hayashi-Ha, Goshin-Ryu and several others as affiliates.

But in the case of taekwondo, there are three governing bodies — the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (who have been de-registered by the Sports Commissioner’s office on May 6), Malaysian International Taekwondo Federation and Global Taekwondo Federation.

However, only MTA exponents are eligible to be selected for multi-sport Games like the Sea Games, Asian Games and the Olympics. "This is merely my advice to the respective associations as I believe Malaysia should be represented by the best," added Azalina.

"After all, what is there to be afraid of. If you are good, you are good.

"And if the governing body can organise championships for all of them (factions), it would make it easier for us to fund them as well."

In recognising Pesaka’s and Makaf’s initiatives and track record, Azalina has given the two associations free office space at the National Aquatics Centre in Bukit Jalil as part of the ministry’s programme to house all national sports associations, especially those who don’t have offices or the funds to have one, under one roof.

"If Pesaka and Makaf can do it, I believe it is an idea worth considering," said Azalina.

"But it is up to the associations to decide."

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