MALAYSIA: New body for taekwondo

By S. Selvam
Oct 29


A NEW governing body for taekwondo, the Malaysian Taekwondo Federation (MTF), has been approved by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar.

And since the MTF is seeking to replace the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) as the governing body for taekwondo practising the WTF-system (World Taekwondo Federation) in Malaysia, the MTF has to seek the necessary approvals from the relevant parties.

The MTA, recognised by the WTF as the governing body for taekwondo in Malaysia, was de-registered on May 6.

The MTA, however, filed a civil case with the High Court regarding the revocation of its registration, which is now subject to an appeal at the Court of Appeal.

But as far as Elyas is concerned, the MTF has met all the necessary conditions and requirements as required under the 1997 Sports Development Act (Act 576), hence the approval.

"In accordance to Section 17 of the 1997 Sports Development Act, the Sports Commissioner has the authority to accept or reject the application for registration, and in making a decision on this matter," said Elyas in a 32-page statement yesterday.

"There were those who supported the registration of the MTF, and also those who objected to the registration.

"Overall, I have three choices with respect to the issue of the MTF application - postpone my decision, reject the application or accept the registration.

"However, I believe it is not reasonable to delay consideration of the application because under the Sports Act, the MTA no longer exists.

"This is because when MTA's registration was revoked, the association did not exercise its rights as provided by the Act to appeal to the Minister (Sports Minister) to review the decision made by the Sports Commissioner.

"Having failed to do so, the MTA has allowed the Sports Act to be applicable in full in so far as its existence is concerned, whether as a governing body or otherwise.

"In the meantime, the MTF application has met all the conditions and requirements as laid down by the Sports Act (under Act 576), and as such, the application to register the MTF as the governing body for taekwondo at the national level has been approved."

The application was approved on Oct 14.

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