Alagendra retains hot seat

27/10/2002

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) elections yesterday reflected a
split among the States, and the losers were vice-president Datuk Seri
Manap Ibrahim and treasurer S. Perampalam.
President Sultan Azlan Shah was returned unopposed.
Manap was the only incumbent vice-president to be shown the door and in
his place, Kuala Lumpur HA vice-president Dr S.S Cheema was voted in.
Perampalam was defeated by George Koshy 21 votes to 17.
Although there were no changes in the old guard, there seemed to be a
shift in the mood of the affiliates, with incumbent deputy president Tan
Sri P. Alagendra given a tough fight for the number two post by Tan Sri
Elyas Omar. Alagendra got 22 votes while Elyas received 16. In fact, the
pattern showed that nine votes from the incumbents had helped Alagendra
secure the seat as eight States had thrown their weight behind Elyas.
The total votes should have been 39, as the Armed Forces and 14 States
casted two votes each, with nine coming from the incumbents.
However, Sarawak were only represented by their secretary Amar Singh as
their second delegate did not arrive because of miscommunication.
Three other incumbents, vice-presidents Datuk Abdul Bashir Majid (25
votes), Datuk Abdul Jalil Abdul Majid (24) and Roy Rajasingam (21) were
voted in.
Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh took the reserved fifth vice-presidency, a
seat rotated between Sabah and Sarawak.
Incumbent secretary S. Satgunam whipped his challenger Mohamed Zaki
Abdul Rahman by 16 votes, polling 27 votes.
Immediately after the elections, president Sultan Azlan Shah issued a
warning to the office bearers.
"The first step we will take is to decide on the date for the next
elections, which must be held latest by July 31, 2004. There should be no
more excuses to delay the Biennial General Meeting," said Sultan Azlan
Shah.
Penang's proposal to amend the constitution to enable the formation of
an independent umpires board and to limit the term of office bearers to
four terms was dismissed by Sultan Azlan Shah.
"Let's not rush into things, we can discuss these matters in our next
council meting which I suggest be held on Nov 9.
"The States will have more time to discuss and nominate who they want
for the various sub-committees and we can also discuss the independent
umpires board and the proposal to limit the term of office bearers," said
Sultan Azlan Shah.
The delegates agreed with the proposal and Alagendra assured that a
committee to study and amend the constitution will be formed.
The three MHF trustees appointed yesterday were Sultan Azlan Shah,
Alagendra and Bashir. The appointments of three Independent Delegates were
postponed to Nov 9.
"I assure you that it will not be a one man show. A committee will be
appointed to discuss amendments to the constitution, and we will appoint
suitable candidates to chair the various committees because we want people
who can work," said Alagendra.
The tone has been set for a more dynamic MHF, and if the promises are
kept, hockey in the country should receive a new lease of life.
(END)