Put your vote where your mouth is

04/05/2002

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) Biennial General Meeting is supposed
to be held this year, and Terenggaanu Hockey Association secretary Tuan
Haji Hamzah Ali has only one advice for MHF's affiliates - vote wisely.
"If the state associations feel that there needs to be changes at the
top level of the MHF, they must decide during the elections. Speaking
about their problems but not doing anything during the elections is
worthless," said Hamzah.
When asked if the MHF needs an overhaul in management, Hamzah said
Terengganu would rather speak through the ballot.
Hamzah, like Kelatan HA, Johor HA, Negri HA and Penang HA, also feels
that the MHF could do more to support the game at state level.
"We did receive assistance from the MHF during the 1993 Razak Cup which
we hosted, then it was the Champion Schools and the Under-15 tournament,
but that was a long time ago.
"A more systematic approch from the MHF will be more beneficial instead
of just coming in when there are competitions to run," said Hamzah.
Hamzah was told during the Kuala Lumpur World Cup in February that
Terengganu will be hosting the Under-15 tournament this year, but have not
heard from them since.
"I was verbally told that Terengganu will be organising the Under-15
tournament this year but I am still in the dark because they (MHF) have
yet to give it to me in writing," said Hamzah.
And for this year's Razak Cup, don't expect to see Terengganu on the
starting list.
"We can't afford to take part in the Razak Cup because we do not have
enough players to form a good side. And even if we did manage to string a
team, the lack of money will not allow us to field a team in the Razak Cup
this year," said Hamzah.
Terengganu have no big sponsors and received nothing from the MHF, and
right now they are living on a shoe-string budget.
"Even then we do not neglect our duties because it will not be fair to
the players if we just sit back and complain but do nothing to help the
sport.
"We source for small amounts on our own and have been running the age-
group and knock-out competitions. But there is no money to take part in
the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) or the Razak Cup," said Hamzah.
When asked if their inability to take part at national level tournaments
is detrimental to Terengganu hockey: "We don't have a choice. That is why
we are more intersted in grassroots development which is not only cheaper
but also more beneficial in the long run," said Hamzah.
The Penang HA have called for a total revamp in the management of the
MHF because the top-level officials have become too comfortable with just
helping out hockey at the Klang Valley while States have been left to fend
for themselves.
The MHL, the premier hockey tournament in Malaysia which boasts of
having two top indian players in Dhanraj Pillay and Len Ayappa and one of
the best penalty corner flickers in the world Sohail Abbas and his
Pakistan teammate Kashif Jawad, do not have a representive from outside
the Klang Valley.
All nine teams in the MHL are based in either Kuala Lumpur or Selangor
and now that Terengganu and Kelantan have said that they will not be
taking part in the Razak Cup, it is a sure sign that top-level hockey is
dead at the States.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
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