By T.N. Alagesh nstsport@nst.com.my
TENGKU Abdullah Sultan Ahmad (pic), in denying that he is a candidate for the post of Malaysian Hockey Federation president, has not ruled out accepting nominations.
The former FA of Malaysia deputy president, responding to a newspaper report, said he had been contacted by an individual who wanted to know whether Tengku Abdullah was interested in the post.
Tengku Abdullah’s reply was that he wanted to know more about MHF before making a decision.
“Other than the individual contacting me, I have not spoken to anyone about going for the post of MHF president,” said Tengku Abdullah in Kuantan late on Wednesday.
“However, if there are some who feel that I can be considered for the post, I suggest they meet me.
“I will then decide about it. However, I must have the support and also the views from others before making such a move.
“The nomination date is still a long way away. I may decide when it gets closer.”
Nominations open on Oct 3 and close on Oct 25 with election on Nov 1.
The same newspaper report also quoted MHF president Admiral (R) Tan Sri Anwar Mohd Nor and his deputy Tunku Majid Sultan Iskandar as saying they would not contest the president’s post if Tengku Abdullah goes for it.
Tengku Abdullah said he does want to be seen as interfering in MHF’s affairs.
“The leadership should be chosen through a democratic process so no one needs to fight for the president’s post.
“If one feels he is capable of leading the association, then he should step forward and offer himself to take the lead.”
Tengku Abdullah said his interest in hockey is due to its potential.
“It is a popular sport and it has the potential to reach a higher level on the international stage.”
With Tengku Abdullah sending confusing signals and Anwar and Tunku Majid having an agreement whereby the candidate with the highest number of nominations winning the president’s post uncontested, the coming weeks promise to be interesting.
