Hashim will defend post

WHILE many aspirants and incumbents are keeping the cards close to their chests, Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff declared yesterday that he will seek re-election, even if he gets only one nom ination.
The MHF elections will be held on Nov 1, with the nominations opening on Oct 3 and closing on Oct 25.
So far, president Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor and deputy-president Tunku Majid Sultan Iskandar have said they will seek re-election. But they have come to an agree ment wheres the person that gets the highest nomination for the president’s post, will become the next president.
But there might be a spanner in their plans, as Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad is also said to be keen, but has yet to make a stand.
“I will seek re-election (for the secretary’s post) even if I only get one nomination. The state delegates know who has worked and who has not for the past season, and I am sure they will make a right choice when nominating, and then marking the ballot papers,” said Hashim.
Hashim will be seeking his second term, after he toppled previous secretary T. Paramalingam in a straight fight in the last elections.
“I have sent out nomination papers to states, as the festive holidays are fast approaching and the standard procedure is for states to hold a meeting and name their candidates.
“And I hope states will check with the candidates before naming them, as nominating someone who does not want to stand for election will be a waste of time,” said Hashim.
And those who are nominated, but do not want to stand for elections, must withdraw before Oct 29, as MHF needs time to prepare ballot papers.
The states are abuzz with many aspirants and incumbents coming out with their choice of names for the MHF ‘cabinet’, and secret meetings and phone calls have already started, even though it is still a long way to the elections.
“I will be the least surprised if some states name chal lengers to the top two positions, or the vice-presidents.
“We practice democracy at the MHF, and our elections have always been fair to those who have put in the hours, or those who can come out with a sound manifesto,” said Hashim.
There are six vice-president’s posts in the MHF, with four up for elections, while Sabah and Sarawak get a choice to name theirs.