States working overtime

18/09/2002

THE Kuala Lumpur HA will hold its council meeting today to decide, among
others, the nominations for the Malaysian Hockey Federation elections on
Oct 26.
Most of the other States will also hold their council meetings this week
in view of the nomination deadline on Sept 26.
Negri Sembilan HA secretary Anthony Das said they will only decide after
Sept 24, but Perak secretary P.T. Sambanthar was not even willing to
reveal anything about the council meeting to decide on nominations.
"I have nothing to say to you. If you are interested you can ask my
president (Raja Nazrin Shah)," said Sambanthar when asked when Perak HA
will send in the nominations.
KLHA has been tight-lipped about its nominations, but it was learnt that
it has a candidate for the president's post, and will also be nominating
candidates for the deputy-president and at least one vice-president's
post.
Since the MHF imposed a gag order on its State affiliates, most of the
officials have remained silent, but have been working overtime to bring
change into the Federation.
A brainstroming session was held in Sabah during the Malaysia Games, and
the consensus was unanimous that there must be change in the present
leadership structure to take hockey to the next level.
"I met officials from participating States and we had a very frank and
open talk on how to help hockey. All the affiliates agreed on one thing -
that new blood is urgently needed to help hockey grow.
"We came up with a few names to challenge for the deputy-president's
post and announcements will be made in a week's time," said an official.
Attempts to speak to MHF deputy president Tan Sri P. Alagendra on
whether he will seek re-election, or stand for elections if there are
challengers, drew a blank.
Affiliates have the power to choose the MHF leaders even before the Oct
26 BGM, as who they nominate can bring change even before a single ballot
is cast.
As for proposals to improve the running of MHF, States will have to
submit in writing two weeks before the BGM so that matters can be
discussed.
MHF secretary S. Satgunam said that he has yet to receive any
nominations from their 15 affiliates.
"States that want to propose any changes can do so during the BGM where
matters can be put to vote and if agreed, changes can be made. But they
must submit their proposals two weeks before the BGM," said Satgunam.
The States were very vocal about MHF's shortcomings before a gag order
was imposed on the secretaries.
Negri Sembilan HA deputy president Datuk Abdullah Sani Hamid had said
that the MHF are not doing enough to promote the sport in States.
He also feels that MHF should offer some sort of subsidy to help States
get on their feet, because sourcing for sponsors is becoming increasingly
difficult.
Kelantan HA secretary Zahari Daud took the Federation to task for not
doing enough to promote the sport at the State-level.
Terengganu HA secretary Hamzah Ali also took the MHF to task, and said
that that votes will do the talking for them.
Penang HA has been pushing for change relentlessly, which is inevitable
come Sept 26.
(END)