Feuding factions close ranks

06/07/2002

FACTIONS within the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) closed ranks
yesterday and pledged their allegiance to the existing leadership of their
president Sultan Azlan Shah and his deputy Tan Sri P. Alagendra.
The council also backed their vice presidents Roy Rajasingham, Datuk
Abdul Jalil Abdul Majid, Lt Jen (r) Datuk Seri Abdul Manap Ibrahim, Tuan
Haji Bustari Yusuf and Datuk Bashir Ahmad Abd Majid.
But Rajasingham who read out a written statement on the proceedings of
the council meeting, however made no mention of whether the federation's
members had discussed the need to make structural and admnistrative
changes within the national body.
Speaking at a press conference, Rajasingham appeared reluctant to take
too many questions from the floor.
The statement read out by him stated: "The MHF president and council
members, after a lenghty meeting (four hours) have unanimously decided
that in view of the unjust and baseless claims and statements made by
Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association (KLHA) secretary V. Rajamanickam and
Penang HA secretary Ranjit Singh to the Press over a period of time
against the MHF president, deputy president, Technical and Development
Committee chairman Roy Rajasingam, Schools Committee chairman Manap
Ibrahim, secretary S. Satgunam and treasurer S. Perampalam, that both
Rajamanickam and Ranjit be asked to explain their acts and statements.
"They have made disparaging and mischievous statements through the Press
which has adversely affected the integrity and esteem of the MHF and
brought disrepute to the sport.
"The presidents of KHLA and PHA have been asked to admonish their
secretaries and look into the matter further."
Rajamanickam did not attend the meeting but Ranjit did and he was asked
to verbally apologise for his actions.
"Ranjit apologised to the council orally but a thorough explanation in
writing is required," said Rajasingam.
Alagendra added that Ranjit and Rajamanickam are also staring at MHF
Disciplinary Board action.
"We will wait for their reply and going by it, we might or might not
decide to haul them up for disciplinary action."
The council also decided that from now, only presidents from each states
will be allowed to make statements to the media.
"The council also decided that from today, only the presidents can make
statements and all other office bearers, unless they have specific
approval from their presidents, are not allowed to make any statements on
hockey to the media.
"The council also unanimously decided to endorse their full confidence
in the MHF president, deputy president, vice presidents, secretary,
treasurer and the chairmen of the various sub-committees.
"All the allegations made against them have been found to be completely
unjustified," said Rajasingam.
(END)