Datuk Bakar joins the fray

26/09/2002

TERENGGANU Hockey Association yesterday nominated Datuk Abu Bakar Daud for
the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) President's post but Malaysia's
ambassador to Egypt is still in two minds.
When contacted in Cairo yesterday, Datuk Bakar, 66, made it clear that
if there is a more suitable candidate, he will gracefully decline before
the MHF Biennial General Meeting (BGM) on Oct 26.
Terengganu HA has not submitted any names for the other MHF posts.
When told that Pahang HA has nominated Sultan Ahmad Shah for the
President's post and that Kuala Lumpur HA has nominated former KL Mayor
Tan Sri Elyas Omar, Datuk Bakar quipped: "Looks like I am the only
flyweight in the contest!"
"I have weighed the idea and since Sultan Azlan Shah has declined to
continue as the MHF President after 21 years, I am willing to serve
hockey.
"But if there is another suitable candidate to replace Sultan Azlan
Shah, I will get out of the way before election day," said Datuk Bakar in
a telephone interview from Cairo.
Datuk Bakar has been at the helm of the Terengganu HA for the past 15
years.
"My term (as ambassador) ends next February and I have yet to make up my
mind on the MHF President's post. I agreed to be nominated because I love
hockey very much," said Datuk Bakar.
Datuk Bakar was a former deputy president of FA of Malaysia and then
became a vice-president but gave up the post when appointed as Malaysia's
ambassador to Egypt.
He also stepped down as Terengganu HA president last year after he was
appointed as an ambassador but made an about-turn when officials from the
State approached him.
"I did want to give up the Terengganu HA president's post last year but
was persuaded to stay on by State officials, so I stayed.
"Now that Sultan Azlan Shah has declined nomination, I feel that I can
serve hockey if given the chance," said Datuk Bakar.
Datuk Bakar was Deputy Science, Technology and Environment Minister
until he was defeated in the 1999 general elections.
He had his early education at the Sultan Zainal Abidin Arabic School in
Terengganu before furthering his studies at the University of Birmingham
in England.
Meanwhile, Sabah and Sarawak are still keen to have Sultan Azlan Shah at
the helm of MHF and have sent in their nominations in that order.
Sabah HA secretary Ajaib Singh yesterday said they are still hopeful
Sultan Azlan Shah will change his mind and accept the nomination. But he
did not shed any light on their nominations for the other posts.
"Sabah and Sarawak sent in their nominations on Tuesday and both States
have nominated Sultan Azlan Shah for the President's post," said Ajaib.
"We hope he will change his mind and continue leading the Federation.
Our nominations are in his favour because of his inspiring leadership, not
only as the MHF President, but also in the Asian Hockey Federation and
Chairman of the FIH Disciplinary Board.
Ajaib also said that West Malaysians should stop speculating as to who
will become the fifth vice-president as the constitution is very clear on
the matter.
Sultan Azlan Shah had led the amendment of the MHF Constitution to
accommodate a vice-president from East Malaysia and the post will rotate
between Sabah and Sarawak.
"According to the MHF Constitution, the fifth vice-president's seat
automatically goes to Sabah HA president Datuk Ghapur Salleh.
"Sarawak HA president Bustari Yusof's term will end next month and it is
now automatically Sabah's turn to have a vice-president," said Ajaib.
(END)