Friday, October 15, 2010

Four for deputy, eight for veep battle

PIC: Former national skipper Ow Soon Kooi received four nominations for the vice-president's post.

TENGKU Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah was returned unopposed as president of the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) when nominations closed yesterday.
However, the deputy president’s post will see a four-corner battle, while eight hopefuls will vie for the four vice-pres ident’s posts.
There will not be elections to pick MHF secretary and treasurer on Oct 31, as amendments to their constitutions will see the two officials appointed.
“I hope state affiliates will elect officials that can input fresh ideas and are committed towards improving our standard of hockey. There is definitely much work to be carried out in the next four years,” said Tengku Abdullah.
Incumbent deputy president Nur Azmi Ahmad will face three challengers from MHF vice-president Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema, former deputy president Tunku Majid Sultan Iskan dar and former hockey player Abdul Hadi.
Tunku Majid also stood for the deputy president’s post in the last elections in 2008 but lost 26-14 to Nur Azmi. Two other challengers, Datuk Cheema and Ken Pereira withdrew from the race at the eleventh hour.
When Tunku Majid was asked about his nominations: “I will have a talk with the states that nominated me, and then decide on the next course of action.”
Nur Azmi received four nominations, Datuk Cheema two, Tunku Majid two and Abdul Hadi one.
In the vice-president’s battle, incumbents Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh, Datuk Rahim Ariff and M. Gobinathan received eight, nine and six nominations each.
The newcomers are Ow Soon Kooi (four), Johari Abdul Aziz (three), Superintendent Mohinder Singh (one), Manjit Majid Abdullah (four) and Rahim Ahmad (one).
MHF secretary Hashim Yusoff said: “The nominees have two weeks to decide if they want to stand or not, and the elections will be held on Oct 31, after which a council meeting will be immediately held to select committee chairper sons.”