MALAYSIA: MTA shut down

S. Selvam
June 18:


THE Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) is no longer recognised as the governing body for taekwondo in the country by the Sports Commissioner’s office.

The association failed to appeal its revocation within the 30-day appeal period, following its de-registration by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar on May 6.

It is the first time a national body has been de-registered since the introduction of the Sports Development Act, 1997

The MTA, an affiliate of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), practises WTF-style taekwondo, which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"The MTA, whose registration was revoked on May 6, did not appeal in accordance with Section 21 of the Sports Development Act. Since the 30-day period for such an appeal has lapsed with effect from June 6, the revocation of MTA’s registration is hereby confirmed," said Elyas in a statement.

"Following its de-registration, this organisation is governed by Section 25 of the Sports Act, which means that its former officers are prohibited from engaging themselves in any of the activities mentioned therein, including organising committees or conducting meetings in connection with such activities."

Section 25(1) of the Sports Act states that a sports body (which is not registered) cannot continue to receive financial assistance from the Government, National Sports Council (NSC) or any other statutory bodies.

And Section 25(1c) states that such sports body shall not be a member of any body or organisation acting as or purporting to act as the governing body of any sport in Malaysia or represent or purport to represent the participants of any sport in Malaysia.

Section 25(1d) and 25(1e) further states such sports body shall not use the phrase "of Malaysia" for any of its activities and such sports body shall not organise, participate in or send participants to any sports competition or event manifesting that such undertaking by it is for, in the name of or on behalf of, Malaysia or any part of Malaysia, within or outside Malaysia.

Elyas also warned that anyone found guilty of breaching any of the provisions in the Act shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, to a fine not exceeding RM500 per day for each day of the offence.

"They are also liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both in accordance with Section 39 of the Act." said Elyas.

"State taekwondo associations are also advised to disassociate themselves from the de-registered body and not to collaborate or co-operate with or support the body concerned in any way directly or indirectly, failing which they will run risk of having their registration suspended or revoked.

"Other sports bodies are likewise advised and should not allow themselves to be drawn into a situation by the de-registered body or its office bearers or agents that can be construed as collaborating or cooperating with or supporting the body in question in contravention of the Sports Act."


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