MHF turns a `deaf ear' to affiliates

05/05/2002

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) has decided to remain silent on the
controversial issues that have been raised by their affiliates over the
last few days.
And from the stand taken by the MHF, one can only interpret that all
that has been said by their affiliates is the truth, or that MHF is still
compiling its rebuttal.
The allegations, which include `not enough being done in the States' and
`not enough money to take part in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) and the
Razak Cup' bounced off a deafening wall of silence and the only statement
that has been issued was by secretary S. Satgunam who said: "We will call
for a Press conference soon to sort out the issues."
However, one veteran official said the mess that hockey is in is not
entirely MHF's fault.
The official, who declined to be named, said the State HAs are not
beyond blame themselves.
"Somebody should ask the States what they have been doing to help hockey
at the district level? When was the last time one heard or witnessed a
tournament being organised at the districts in certain States?
"The blame does not lie entirely on the shoulders of the MHF. The
situation right now has snowballed from a parent body that has done little
to help the States which in turn have not made any effort to raise the
standard of the game," said the official.
The official was also not surprised that MHF has not held a council
meeting for the past three years.
"Those who are running the MHF now have too much on their hands because
they organised a couple of tournaments leading to the Kuala Lumpur World
Cup. But that is no excuse.
"If the secretary feels that he has been burdened with too much of work,
the MHF should create the post of an executive secretary to help him out.
"The executive secretary, a paid staff, can then share some of the
duties carried out by Satgunam, and overall, the management of MHF will be
much smoother."
The official also suggested that since MHF doesn't have the funds to
provide the States, it should hire a marketing man to fill up their
coffers.
"This should have been done before the World Cup, and MHF should have
used the success of organising the biggest event in hockey to fill up
their coffers.
"But it is still not too late to market hockey and if they hire the
right person, the sponsors will be more than willing to come in and MHF
can start subsiding some of the State tournaments."
The official also suggested that MHF knock on the doors of established
hockey clubs to help develop the game at the grassroots.
"Sapura, Maybank, Bank Simpanan Nasional and Andersen Sports Club should
be approached to sponsor teams for the Junior Hockey League (JHL).
"A nominal sum from these companies can sponsor a team, say from the
Champion Schools, for the JHL and in this manner, the participation at the
junior level will be much better."
* DATUK Abdullah Sani Hamid, the deputy president of the Negri Sembilan Hockey Association, was refering to the Razak Cup when he spoke about the guest player ruling, and not the Malaysia Hockey League as reported.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
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