Zabri: MHF under probe

05/09/2002

SPORTS Commissioner Datuk Mahamat Zabri Min finally admitted yesterday
that the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) is under probe for
irregularities, but his office will wait till the end of the month before
wielding the `big stick'.
The grace period is for the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) to mediate
and get MHF's house in order, failing which Zabri will have to sing in the
`Opera of The Phantom Votes.'
"We have opened a file on MHF because they have not sent in their
accounts since 1999, delayed holding their elections and now the issue of
affiliates voting without paying their subscription has surfaced.
"My office is aware of all the media reports regarding MHF and we are
keeping close tabs. But I feel that the OCM should be given a chance to
mediate first before I wield the `big stick'," said Zabri in Kuala Lumpur
yesterday.
Penang HA have not paid their affiliation fees for the past six years
but voted in the last elections. The same applies to the Kelantan HA who
are in arrears of RM700 but their delegates also voted.
But the Sports Commissioner stopped short when asked to comment on
whether MHF is an illegal body because they have contravened their
constitution which clearly states that only members who have paid their
affiliation fees before March 31 each year are eligible to vote in
elections.
"The question of legality will have to wait because I want to give OCM
time to sort out the mess before making a stand. After the Malaysian
Amatuer Athletics Union (MAAU) saga, we were accused of not giving the
umbrella body a chance to sort out matters first. Now we have given them
(OCM) ample time and I will wait for their move first," said Zabri.
The OCM will hold their Executive Board meeting on Tuesday, where they
are expected to discuss the affairs of the MHF and come up with ways to
put hockey's admistration back on the right track.
Zabri also welcomed information from States which are unhappy with the
way MHF has been running their house.
"This is an open invitation from States which have grouses with MHF to
write to me. But before they do so, they must have the locus standi -
meaning the affairs in their State are being run without any hanky-panky,"
said Zabri.
Penang HA have been vocal in criticising MHF, mainly because the parent
body has been running their affairs on an ad-hoc basis and important
decisions are being made by the MHF standing committee.
A recent case in point is the appointment of the Tournament Director for
the Malaysia Games in Sabah.
MHF secretary S. Satgunam was appointed during the recent council
meeting but somehow, MHF Umpires Board chairman V. Kulasingam is in Sabah
now as the Tournament Director.
Zabri also feels that sports associations should not threathen the media
with law suits.
"Both the media and sports associations are working hand-in-hand to
promote sports in the country and I feel that lawsuits should not come
into the picture as the media is only acting as watchdogs. They can take
associations to task, provided they have the evidence and facts to back
their case," said Zabri.
The MHF has already initiated legal proceedings against the Malay Mail,
a tabloid of the New Straits Times Press.
(END)