Sultan Azlan quits with honour intact

14/09/2002


By Lazarus Rokk; Jugjet Singh

IN what is so rarely witnessed in our sports fraternity, Sultan Azlan Shah
(pic) on Monday struck an eloquent blow for honour and dignity, by
stepping down as Malaysian Hockey Federation president after helming it for 21 years.
Although he didn't cite any specific reason for not wanting to seek re-
election in the Oct 26 binennial general meeting (BGM), it is believed
that Sultan Azlan's decision was dictated by the current state of affairs
that has put the national body in bad light.
In his letter dated Sept 9 to MHF secretary S.Satgunam, Sultan Azlan had stated that he would not be seeking re-election, and that the early
announcement would give the affiliates 17 days to name their candidate
before the Sept 26 deadline for nominations.
And the one candidate whom several affiliates had hoped would take over
the reins, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, yesterday declined respectfully.
"Frankly, I am immersed in my work and other matters, which is why I
have to respectfully decline," Najib told Timesport yesterday.
"Besides, I don't play hockey...you need someone who is passionate about
the sport to lead the association."
Najib's late father, Tun Abdul Razak was the president of the MHF during his tenure as Prime Minister.
Among those yesterday who came out in support and respect for Sultan
Azlan's decision were Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Tunku Imran Ja'afar, National Sports Council director-general, Datuk Wira Mazlan Ahmad, and KLHA president Tan Sri Noordin Hassan.
Tunku Imran is of the opinion that the former King should not be
pressured to make a comeback.
Tunku Imran yesterday: "He is a man of great esteem and if he has made a decision not to seek re-election, it must be respected by everyone. Sultan Azlan Shah must have considered carefully before coming to this
conclusion."
Noordin who is in Sabah for the Malaysia Games, said: "The decision of
the president must be respected.
"KLHA will hold their council meting on Sept 18 (Wednesday) and we will decide who is the best candidate to nominate for the president's post."
Mazlan in concurring with Noordin said: "Sultan Azlan Shah has made his decision and everyone must respect it. Now it is up to the MHF affiliates to select, wisely, the candidate to lead the Federation."
But Penang HA, the national body's leading detractors took it one step
further. They want the rest to follow suit.
"The president made an honourable decision by not seeking re-election
and now I strongly urge the entire MHF office bearers to follow his
footsteps," said its vice-president S. Sanjilatheeban.
"After everyone has resigned, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) can step in as caretakers and run the elections. This is the only way to save hockey from the mess it is embedded in right now.
"Hockey desperately needs fresh blood to run the show because the
present officials have all run out of ideas. That is why they should
resign en-bloc and allow new people to take it to the next level."
Penang were one of the affiliates who were keen to see Najib as the next
MHF president.
Penang will also hold their council meeting on Wednesday to decide on
their candidate.
The MHF came under heavy fire over the past six months from both the
media - Timesport and Malay Mail - and certain affiliates for neglecting
grassroots development, and for running the federation unconstitutionally.
One of which was allowing Penang and Kelantan to vote in the 1999
elections even though both States had not paid their affiliation fees for
years. The MHF constitution states that affiliates who do not pay their
fees by March 31 every year are not eligible to vote.
Sports Commissioner Datuk Mahamat Zabri Min then revealed that MHF had
not sent in their accounts since 1999.
Satgunam, who confirmed that Azlan Shah will not seek re-election, also
said that since nominations close on Sept 26, it was too early to make a
statement.
(END)