Advantage, ARL?

Someone comes under the spotlight


With Taman Equestrian Putrajaya as the backdrop


He's the same man who wanted to challenge Datuk Jamaluddin Jarjis for the Equestrian Association of Malaysia presidency in July but the latter managed to adjourn the meeting without presenting the association's 2007 accounts


But here Datuk Abdul Razak Latiff entertains question from the Press on issues concerning tennis

Tennis could sneak its way back into the Malaysia Games (Sukma), judging from Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) president Datuk Abdul Razak Latiff's statement to the Press shortly after the breaking of fast at Putrajaya tonight.

The Selangor-born self-made corporate figure, who carved a reputation as a turnaround manager long before the term became fashionable, sees the glass half full after a meeting with Malacca Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, shortly before Ramadhan.

National coach Rahizam Ramli raised several interesting points in Malay Mail here last month.

Having succeeded in stirring interest back into tennis, Abdul Razak is interested in getting into the EAM saddle. Unfortunately he was involved in a tense argument with the EAM incumbents in July. Read here.

Also Malay Mail ran this piece.

Sexy girls in black corsets and leather boots, a RM2 million grant, a furious chairman and an attempted revolt.

The 2008 Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) Annual General Meeting yesterday had it all.

Just minutes after being promised a RM2 million grant for a five-year development plan by Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob, EAM president Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis adjourned the AGM after failing to take control the situation.

Jamaluddin, a friend of Ismail since their involvement in politics in Pahang, stormed out of the meeting over a dispute on the interpretation of the nomination for the 2008 office bearers.

"I will seek the opinion of the Sports Commissioner on the matter," said Jamaluddin, after walking out of the hall.

Prior to the meeting, Ismail was invited to officiate the opening of the AGM. The minister was led into the hall by four sexy ladies. The dispute started when Datuk Abdul Razak Latiff, a Bukit Kiara Equestrian Park member and a potential candidate for the president's post, questioned the exclusion of the nomination of two office bearers.

Azizah Abdullah and Zahidi Ma'mor's nominations for secretary and treasurer's post respectively were not entertained as they were registered under the Putrajaya Equestrian Park- which is not affliated to EAM.

The Royal Terengganu Endurance Stables backed Azizah and Zahidi. However, their nominations were not considered and this caused many members to voice their displeasure over the decision.

"If things get out of hand, then the members might consider a vote of no confidence against the president," said Abdul Razak. The members were also denied a separate meeting on the vote of no confidence as Jamaluddin instructed them to leave the hall.

Interestingly, it is not clearly stated in EAM's constitution on the eligibility of a candidate for the post. But when there is a doubt, the committee has the power to decide on the best action.

Yet, Jamaluddin saw it fit to adjourn the meeting.

"We have to abide to the basic laws of the constitution that a non-member cannot take position as an office bearer. However, I admit it is not clearly stated in our constitution but the present committee have to make thhe best decision," said EAM secretary Lau Choo Sing.

Also in question was the tabling of the 2007 accounts which was not presented at the AGM. However, the members uninamously agree to have another meeting to vet the 2007 accounts.
To study both sides of the coin, go to http://www.equestrian.com.my/ and click on the forum section.

Since JJ had uttered the remark, it will not come as a surprise if the Sports Commissioner Datuk Nik Mahmud Nik Yusof starts to nit-pick LTAM instead of investigating EAM. When the Prime Minister ordered his Ministers to relinquish their positions in sports bodies with immediate effect in August last year, JJ did not do so. He defied PM's orders. Conveniently for JJ, he was not re-appointed into the Cabinet after the political tsunami on March 8.

Abdul Razak is known as ARL among his friends. He is the founder of ARL group of companies which focuses primarily on power generation, oil and energy sector, information communication technology (ICT), leisure and competitive sports management.