Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Kafe Sukan Ep 1 on Astro Arena

Kafe Sukan, 801, 8pm every Monday. The one-hour talk show kicked off Monday March 29. Among the issues discussed in the pilot episode:

* Cyclist Azizulhasni Awang's performance in the UCI World Championship in Denmark
* The Great Dane Peter Schmeichel's remarks on the potential of Malaysian footballers
* K. Rajagobal's team selection
* Harimau Muda in Slovakia
* The English Premiership
* Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin's "third class" statement
* Hockey Razak Cup
* Badminton Asian Junior Championship
* F1 Albert Park/Sepang

The show's executive producer is Darren Althofer. The producer is Slamet Sazly Yakub, himself a blogger at transmission-zero



Kafe Sukan's maiden episode featuring three individuals connected to the Malay Mail...


Host Akbar Sahari, formerly of TV3. A Liverpool fan


Chris Raj@jaihomalaysia, former New Straits Times journo, ex-Malay Mail stringer and FA of Malaysia media officer. A Gooner


Haresh Deol, law student-turned-journo...currently Malay Mail's sports critic. Like Shebby Singh and Tony Mariadass, a Spurs fan


The balding loose cannon, who spent 12 years of his life at the Paper That Cares, gets to pick and choose the comments from his blog. Used to follow Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Spurs. A life-time fan of French football


one anonymous commenter responding to Jeebsion's posting on the standard of refereeing


Jeebsion responding to that comment

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Yellow card for referees


The falling standards of football refereeing, a posting by someone intimate with the game in Kedah. It's a great pity even if a place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup beckons for the nation's foremost referee, Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh, the standard of refereeing in general leaves much to be desired and comes under great scrutiny on a weekly basis. Let's hope the referee fraternity takes the criticism in good spirits. Read here as Jeebsion blows the whistle and issues our referees not yet a red card, but a yellow.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

A rolling stone

Aziz Ibrahim, ah, the name may not ring a bell among today's generation of journalists, both print and electronic. But loose cannon grew up in awe of the likes of Aziz and of course Datuk Rahim Razali. So the decision to buy this book was easy...it is a must-read for all journos. Loose cannon had the good fortune of meeting Aziz face to face ahead of the Korat SEA Games in 2007.

"Every Malaysian should read this book. It is more than just Aziz Ibrahim's journey" - Randhir Singh, former New Straits Times sports columnist.

"Aziz Ibrahim and Malaysian sport are one. It shows throughout the book and not suprisingly so because of his intimate ties with sport as a commentator for over 30 years. It all comes so naturally to him. The natural blend of his passion for sports with fair-play, discipline and integrity carried him through his working life with enviable success though not without stress and strain" - Datuk Fauzi Omar, former Malay Mail editor/NST sports columnist

Aziz's recollections of days past, and often times of things and people long gone, and of attitudes and values that were no longer with us, clearly affirm the adage that we do not know what we had till they were gone. In this 21st century, he shows us a glimpse of Malaya and Malaysia of old, not all peachy of course, but in their baby steps, decidedly determined to make it. And through sports, we will always be.'" - Zainul Ariffin, Group Managing Editor, The New Straits Times Press

A. Aziz Ibrahim has written a fascinating account of his journey from the bottom rung to life in the top end of the corporate world. This is a valuable record of the writer's struggle to improve himself and an inspiring account of the journey and the people and the life he found along the way.

A thoroughly enjoyable book and a well-written story, and a look back to our country when life, not the stock market, was the centre of our everyday world. For a long time, the writer was a familiar face (and voice) in sports reporting. Here now is an engaging account of his journey from there to now, from cycling newsreader in Kampung Baru to owning a Volkswagen Bettle and to the BBC and then life in a multinational company. I recommend this book most heartily" - Wan A. Hulaimi


Aziz shares with his readers his early days in Penang, working under expatriate bosses, fighting discrimination, prejudice and bigotry, how a chairman of a bank welcomed him by saying: "Welcome, the interests of this bank are above everything else, including your family. You can go now".

His broadcasting career was what prompted me to buy the book. Here meeting Joao Havelange's predecessor must surely be one of the highlights of Aziz's career.

The 1977 final was a classic for footy aficionados...Man U won...and Aziz was there at Wembley...

Aziz's candid accounts are priceless. Others may remember Aziz as a corporate communications expert but the sight of Aziz introducing the football teams' line-up on RTM is imprinted in loose cannon's mind.

The Penang-born ex-teacher was caught in the pandemonium of the 1967 Thomas Cup in Jakarta, witnessed the Malaysian football team's only appearance at the Olympics in Munich in 1972 and covered the Thomas Cup Asian finals in India in 1976.

Excerpts from the book:

"Yahaya (Longchik) and I stayed glued in our cubicle waiting for the storm to subside. It would have been too much of a risk for us to venture out. Nobody seemed to have any control of the crowd anymore. (1967 Thomas Cup)

"Malaysia's last group match was against Morocco. It was before this match that trouble began brewing in the Malaysian camp. Peter Velappan had brought in his contact Karl Weigang who had claimed to have an intimate knowledge of the African teams as he had stints as a coach in the region. I could sense that Weigang in his typically brash German style was too intrusive and domineering. Jalil (Che Din) felt sidelined. He began to sulk and then became withdrawn. (1972 Munich Olympics)

Ow remembers...

A picture tells a thousand words, they say. From left Ow Soon Kooi, Datuk R. Yogeswaran (hockey), Datuk Lee Chong Wei (badminton), Datuk Soh Chin Aun (football), Datuk Misbun Sidek (badminton), Mirnawan Nawawi (hockey), Aidil Zafuan (football), R. Puvaneswaran (karate), Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak (football) and Daniel Bego (swimming), with the Olympic Sports Hotel as the backdrop.

Only six of them are Olympians, though.

Ow, chairman of Olympic Sports Hotel, was skipper of the national team in the late 70s. Read http://rizalhashim.blogspot.com/2009/08/tribute-to-two-greats-from-legend.html

He belongs to the group of people who are mindful of the past...that's why he paid tribute to the late Datuk Mokhtar Dahari and Datuk Ho Koh Chye.



It is unfortunate, though, that the sports fraternity and the National Sports Council (NSC) or the Sports Ministry are not fully utilising the hotel, strategically located at the heart of KL. Sure NSC has Casa 1, 2, 3 or 4 but we can always have a win-win situation for all.

Takziah kepada Datuk Manja sekeluarga

Aku tidak kenal siapa Ikhwanul Ashraf Manja yang meninggal dunia akibat kemalangan jalan raya awal Isnin lalu. Tapi aku kenal ibu bapanya, Datuk Manja Ismail dan Datin Noorzita Samad. Manja bos aku di meja berita Berita Harian. Baru-baru ini aku bertemu dengan Manja di tanah perkuburan, mengiringi jenazah Allahyarham Haji Abu Bakar Ismail. Tentunya hanya Allah yang mengetahui isi hati Manja sekeluarga tika dan saat ini.

Menurut luahan rasa beberapa rakannya, Ashraf seorang penggiat sukan, penjaga gol dalam bola sepak dan hoki serta mewakili Perak dalam bola baling.

Allahyarham Ashraf juga seorang blogger dan peminat sukan yang diberi gelaran Chamakh, barangkali sempena nama penyerang Bordeaux, Marouane Chamakh.

Bacalah
http://twentyninerogue.blogspot.com/2010/03/dear-chamakh.html

http://koleq9094.blogspot.com/2010/03/al-fatihah-sdr-ikhwanul-ashraf-manja.html

http://azimissoauthentic.blogspot.com/2010/03/chamakh-suatu-tribut.html

http://namakuamerarif.blogspot.com/2010/03/tribute.html

dan blog Allahyarham
http://suasueygoodmorning.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 18, 2010

A new Arena for sports aficionados

Measat Broadcast Network System CEO, Datuk Rohana Rozhan (right), representing Astro and Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president, Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar, signing the MoU, witnessed by Sports Minister, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Astro All Asia Networks executive deputy chairman and CEO, Ralph Marshall and OCM deputy president, Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan.


Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar, Ralph Marshall and Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan waiting for the Minister's arrival

Former cricketer Venu Ramadass (right), a full international at the age of 17, is a key figure in Arena

Can we expect fireworks from Arena?

Olympians Datuk R. Yogeswaran and Datuk Soh Chin Aun can't help but smile when they see loose cannon, while Datuk Misbun Sidek chats with Marina Chin, Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) principal and former track queen...

Aha, which is which...that's Zaquan Adha on the left, and national Under-23 skipper, Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak

One of the nicest chaps in the fraternity, R. Puvaneswaran of karate...

His mazy dribbling skills left many a Johannian frustrated but as Malaysia's foremost attacker of his generation, Mirnawan "Boss" Nawawi was a fearsome player in the world of hockey...

Four iconic figures - engineer by training and former water polo player, Datuk Sieh Kok Chi, award winning film director, sports commentator and former Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) president Datuk Rahim Razali, newly-crowned All-England champ Datuk Lee Chong Wei and two-time Olympic Games 200m semifinalist Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan


The man of the moment, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, entertains questions from Shabery and Rohana


This coach has helped nurture two All-England champions and two Olympic Games medallists

Owners of ssdhaliwal.blogspot.com, jaihomalaysia.blogspot.com and level-field.blogspot.com among those making their presence felt at the press conference


Iconic figures were there. Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek was there. Loose cannon's fellow bloggers were there as well. What else do you expect when the first 24-hour Bahasa Malaysia sports channel was launched amidst a stadium-like atmosphere at the Wisma OCM a short while ago?

Astro Arena will start its broadcast on Friday, March 26 over channel 801. It will have four slots for news bulletins and numerous talks shows. With the tagline Nadi Sukan Malaysia, or Malaysia's sporting pulse, Arena is a must-watch for sports enthusiasts and aficionados. Among those in Arena's stable is Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) president, Ahmad Khawari Isa, who is head of news and third in command, Akhbar Sahari of Scoreboard fame and Zainal Abidin Rawop.

Press release

Astro Arena, Home of Malaysian sports
Astro Arena offers the nation’s first 24-hour local sports channel

18 March 2010, Kuala Lumpur - Malaysians will enjoy more local sports content when Astro Arena, the country’s first local sports channel goes on air on 26 March 2010. Astro Arena (Channel 801), a 24 hour local sports channel will be delivered predominantly in Bahasa Malaysia and available to all ASTRO customers under its Family Package.

Dato’ Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Youth and Sports and Mr Ralph Marshall, Group Chief Executive Officer AAAN (ASTRO) graced the launch event and witnessed the signing of the Strategic Alliance between ASTRO and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) where both parties will collaborate and promote Malaysian sporting events regionally and internationally through the broadcast of these events on Astro Arena. Dato’ Rohana Rozhan, Chief Executive Officer of Measat Broadcast Network Systems represented ASTRO while YAM Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Jaa’far, President of OCM represented OCM in the signing.

Dato’ Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Youth and Sports commended Astro Arena for its role in helping to broadcast local sports which supports the government’s aspiration to instill sporting excellence and promote healthy sporting lifestyle amongst Malaysians. He added, “The launch of Astro Arena is timely and in line with the Ministry of Education’s recent announcement in making sports as a school subject, as opposed to a co-curriculum activity. Astro Arena through its content and on-ground events can further help develop a strong local sports identity among local communities and motivate the younger generation to take up sports.”

Dato’ Rohana Rozhan says, “In our continuous efforts to be the No.1 choice for Malaysian households, ASTRO is committed to invest towards expanding and strengthening our products and offering through the introduction of innovative features such as High Definition (HD) services, digital video recording and IPTV connectivity. In our content and customer experience, ASTRO continues to be ahead of the curve by evolving with innovation to deliver a strong sports value proposition of bringing the best of international and local sports to Malaysian sports fans. Astro Arena meets the unfulfilled demand for local sports content via a holistic offering of live coverage of major regional and local sporting events, in-depth and extensive news coverage of matches and development of sports and athletes in Malaysia.”

Malaysians are able to follow the nation’s sporting heroes closely and see how they fare in some of the regional sports events on Astro Arena, especially in the upcoming events this year such as Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Asian Games in Guangzhou and the first Youth Olympics in Singapore.

YAM Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Jaa’far, President of OCM said, “We are happy to be working together with ASTRO to provide more opportunities for the national sports associations and other local sporting bodies to have their sports news and events viewed by a bigger audience on ASTRO’s platform. We hope Astro Arena will further boost the growth of the local sports industry and talents.”

In making sports more appealing to the younger generation, Astro Arena has appointed Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Esther Cheah, Daniel Bego, Mohd. Hazizul Hasni Awang, R. Puvaneswaran, Mohd Aidil Zafuan, Mohd Zaquan Adha and P.Mariappan as channel ambassadors. These ambassadors will be involved in sports clinics and road shows to bring Astro Arena closer to the community. Alongside the live coverage of sports news and events, the channel will also feature stories of Malaysian sporting heroes to relive the past glories of sports.

Astro Arena completes ASTRO’s Family Package with sports offering alongside entertainment, information and education. With Astro Arena, currently there are 29 ASTRO branded and affiliated channels and 10 sports channels, including 2 channels in High Definition and 1 channel for sports pay-per-view on the ASTRO platform.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

BAM secretary suspended?

GANGA'S REACTION

Suspended ( or rather soon to be ) Badminton Association of Malaysia Hon. Secretary P. Ganga Rao was neither shocked nor surprised when contacted last night.

" If what you are telling me is true, then so be it, " said Ganga.

" I have not been informed about it and really I will have to await for official notification.

" I have always put the interest of badminton as a priority and will continue to do so.

" if they ( BAM ) feel that I have acted against the interest of badminton, then I have nothing to say.

" Let us wait for the show cause letter and take it from there.

" I am aware of certain quarters claiming that I have acted against the interest of BAM and will reveal all at the right forum."

Ganga added that he believed that in the end the truth will prevail.

It is learnt that BAM President Dato Nadzmi, General Manager Kenny Goh and Peter Yeow made a representation to the BAM Patron for the suspension of Ganga. - http://ssdhaliwal.blogspot.com


ORIGINAL POSTING, 8.30pm WEDNESDAY 17/3

Move over, Datuk Lee Chong Wei.

The more pressing issue is the rumour swirling around the corridors of BA of Malaysia (BAM) that its secretary P. Ganga Rao is to be issued a letter of suspension upon his return from Melbourne tomorrow.

BAM apparently has gathered enough evidence to initiate a disciplinary action against Ganga for alleged misconduct. The mainstream media is expected to go to town with the story, two months ahead of the Thomas Cup finals in Kuala Lumpur.

BAM president Datuk Nadzmi Salleh who is bound for a medical treatment in Germany for a month beginning Friday, is said to have given the go-ahead for action to be taken against Ganga.

FAM and ULC press release




Loose cannon received an e-mail with two attachments a short while ago.




FAM PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ISSUE ON HARIMAU MUDA IN SLOVAKIA

INTRODUCTION

• IN THE WAKE OF SEVERE CRITICISM AIMED AT THE FA OF MALAYSIA PERTAINING TO THE SLOVAKIAN STINT FOR THE HARIMAU MUDA A TEAM, THE SECRETARIAT IS COMPELLED TO CLARIFY A FEW ISSUES RAISED BY THE MEDIA.

• THOUGH THE SECRETARIAT WISHES TO REFRAIN FROM QUESTIONING THE
MOTIVES OF CERTAIN QUARTERS IN HIGHLIGHTING THE ISSUE, THERE IS A
NEED TO CLEAR THE AIR ARISING FROM ONE MEDIA REPORT THAT WAS
PUBLISHED ABOUT A WEEK AGO, CASTING ASPERSIONS OVER THE POSITION
OF THE HARIMAU MUDA TEAM IN SLOVAKIA.

• IT NEEDS TO BE REITERATED THE OBJECTIVE OF SENDING THE HARIMAU
MUDA TEAM TO SLOVAKIA IS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPMENT OF OUR
NATIONAL TEAM IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEXT SEA GAMES IN 2011, WHICH IS TO DEFEND THE GOLD MEDAL. IT IS FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXPOSURE TO HIGH LEVEL GAMES AND EXPERIENCE FOR THE YOUNG TIGERS.

• IT WAS FAM’S COLLECTIVE DECISION TO SEND THE TEAM TO SLOVAKIA AND
NOT AN INDIVIDUAL DECISION.

• FAM DID NOT GO ON A FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN NOR MADE ANY REQUEST
TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR FUNDING TO SEND THE TEAM. ALL COST IS BORNE BY HRH THE PRESIDENT HIMSELF. THUS, THERE IS NO PUBLIC FUND INVOLVED AND IT IS SOLELY AN FAM INITIATIVE.

BELOW IS THE
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS LEADING TO THE STINT IN SLOVAKIA FOR MOHD AZRAAI KHOR ABDULLAH AND HIS TEAM.

BACKGROUND

• AFTER HARIMAU MUDA BECAME THE PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS IN 2009, THE FAM TECHNICAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED TO THE FAM COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE/INCLUDE THE TEAM IN THE SUPER LEAGUE 2010.

• THE COMPETITION COMMITTEE ENDORSED THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE’S
RECOMMENDATION AND HARIMAU MUDA WAS INCLUDED AS ONE OF THE
SUPER LEAGUE TEAMS FOR 2010 SEASON.

• UNFORTUNATELY, THE FAM COUNCIL ON 7 DECEMBER 2009 OPPOSED THE IDEA.

• HARIMAU MUDA TEAM WAS THUS LEFT IN A LURCH WITHOUT ANY COMPETITION TO PARTICIPATE IN. AS THIS TEAM, BEING AN UNDER-21 TEAM, HAD BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE SEA GAMES IN 2011, THE FAM SECRETARIAT THEN WAS TASKED TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY FOR THE TEAM TO PARTICIPATE IN OTHER LEAGUES WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE REGION.

• FAM APPROACHED FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE (FAS) AS WELL
AS THE SLOVAK FA. FAS WAS WILLING TO ACCEPT THE TEAM BUT DUE TO
TIME CONTRAINTS, WE WERE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE “S” LEAGUE.
FORTUNATELY THE SLOVAK FA WAS ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE FAM.

SLOVAK FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

• ON 26TH JANUARY 2010, FAM RECEIVED AN OFFICIAL LETTER FROM SLOVAK
FA STATING THAT THEY HAVE NO OBJECTION, PROVIDED IT IS ACCEPTED BY
THE UNION OF LEAGUE CLUBS, THE BODY THAT MANAGES THE SLOVAK
FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

• SUBSEQUENTLY, ON 27TH JANUARY 2010, THE UNION OF LEAGUE CLUB OF
SLOVAKIA WROTE TO FAM SAYING THAT THEY HAVE NO OBJECTIONS, PROVIDED FAM IS AGREEABLE TO THEIR TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

FAM FINANCE COMMITTEE AND EXCO

• UPON GETTING THIS LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE, THE FAM DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
WHO IS ALSO THE TECHNICAL CHAIRMAN AND THE GENERAL SECRETARY,
HAD AN AUDIENCE WITH HRH THE PRESIDENT TO OBTAIN HRH’S BLESSINGS.

• UPON GETTING HRH THE PRESIDENT’S CONSENT, THE MATTER WAS TABLED
AT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND EXCO ON 31 JANUARY 2010. BOTH THE
FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE EXCO APPROVED THE PARTICIPATION OF
HARIMAU MUDA IN THE SLOVAK LEAGUE.

• THE GENERAL SECRETARY WAS THEN SENT TO WORK OUT THE DETAILS WITH
THE SLOVAK FA AND THE UNION OF LEAGUE CLUBS IN THE FIRST WEEK OF
FEBRUARY 2010.

• THE DECISION TO SEND THE TEAM TO SLOVAKIA WAS NOT A ONE MAN’S
DECISION. IT WAS APPROVED BY HRH THE PRESIDENT AND SUBSEQUENTLY
ENDORSED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE EXCO.

GENERAL SECRETARY’S VISIT TO SLOVAKIA


• HAD A MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT OF SLOVAK FA AND THE PRESIDENT
OF UNION OF LEAGUE CLUBS PRESIDENTS.

• BOTH THE PRESIDENTS WELCOMED THE PARTICIPATION OF THE MALAYSIAN
U21 TEAM AS THIS IS SOMETHING NEW TO THEM AND THEY EXPECT TO
CREATE INTEREST AMONG THEIR LEAGUE TEAMS AND SUPPORTERS.

• AT THAT POINT OF TIME IT WAS MADE KNOWN TO THE GENERAL SECRETARY
THAT THE MALAYSIAN TEAM WILL PLAY ACCORDING TO THE LEAGUE
SCHEDULE.

• IT WAS ALSO MENTIONED THAT POINTS WILL BE AWARDED TO THEIR TEAM
FOR A WIN AND A DRAW BUT NOT TO THE MALAYSIAN TEAM.

• FAM HAS TO FULFILL THE LEAGUE FEES LIKE ANY OTHER SLOVAK TEAM AND
BEAR THE COST FOR GAME ORGANISATION SUCH AS STADIUM RENTAL, FEES
FOR THE ADMINISTRATORS, MATCH OFFICIALS, BALL BOYS, MEAL FOR THE
OFFICIALS AND VISITING TEAM ETC.

• THE ABOVE POINTS WERE CONVEYED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MALAYSIAN
MEDIA DURING THE PC HELD ON 19TH FEBRUARY 2010.

CONCLUSION

• THERE IS NOTHING TO LIE OR HIDE TO THE MEDIA ON THIS ISSUE.

• THE TEAM GET TO PLAY 14 HIGH QUALITY MATCHES WITH 14 SLOVAK DIV
ONE LEAGUE CLUBS AND NUMEROUS FRIENDLY MATCHES IN BETWEEN THE
LEAGUE SCHEDULE, ON AN AVERAGE 0F ONE MATCH PER WEEK.

• OVER AND ABOVE THAT, 4 FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL MATCHES WITH
POLAND, AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC AND HUNGARY UNDER 21 TEAMS HAVE
BEEN ARRANGED.

• THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS, YB DATO’ RAZALI IBRAHIM
AND DATO’ ZOLKPLES EMBONG, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF NATIONAL SPORTS
COUNCIL (NSC), WHO WERE THERE ON 6TH MARCH 2010 TO WITNESS THE
2ND GAME THE HARIMAU MUDA PLAYED, CAN TESTIFY ON THE STANDARD OF
THE MATCH THAT WAS PLAYED.

• ONE OF THE TOP TEAMS IN THE LEAGUE HAS OFFERED PLACES TO TWO OR
THREE PLAYERS TO BE ATTACHED TO THEIR CLUB.

• UNION OF LEAGUE CLUBS HAS OFFERED FAM TO PARTICIPATE IN FULL
SEASON OF THE LEAGUE, FROM AUGUST TO NOVEMBER AND FEBRUARY TO
MAY 2011. WE HAVE NOT MADE ANY DECISION ON THIS OFFER.

• CREATING CONTROVERSIES OVER NOTHING WOULD CREATE A BAD IMAGE
FOR FAM AND MAY AFFECT THE MORALE TO THE TEAM.

• WE SHOULD SUPPORT OUR BOYS THERE BY GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT FOR
THE BETTERMENT OF THE NATIONAL IN THE NEAR FUTURE RATHER THAN
PICKING UP PETTY ISSUES OVER NOTHING.

• IF THE LEAGUE MATCH IS NOT SERIOUSLY VIEWED AND GIVEN EMPHASIS,
THEN THEY WILL NOT BE PLAYING ON A SNOW FILLED FIELD AS ILLUSTRATED
IN ONE OF THE MALAYSIAN NEWSPAPERS ON MARCH 15.

• THE START LIST OF THE OPPOSING TEAM LISTED ALL THE CLUBS REGISTERED
PLAYERS.

• ON THE QUESTION OF CHEFS FROM MSN BEING SENT TO SLOVAKIA, IT IS
BASED ON RELIGIOUS AND DIETARY REASONS. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME
CHEFS WERE ASSIGNED TO SUPPORT A NATIONAL TEAM ABROAD. TO QUOTE
A FEW CASES; THE LAST SEA GAMES IN VIENTIANNE, NATIONAL HOCKEY
TEAM IN NEW ZEALAND ETC. ABOVE ALL THE CHEFS ARE THERE TO PREPARE
FOOD ACCORDING TO THE PLAYER’S DIETARY AND RELIGIOUS
REQUIREMENTS, NOT TO SERVE MALAYSIAN DISHES ON A DAILY BASIS. THE
HOTEL WHERE THE TEAM IS STAYING DOES SERVE HALAL FOOD AND THERE
ARE NO HALAL RESTUARANTS IN THE VICINITY OF VION FOOTBALL CENTRE.

• WITH THIS PRESS RELEASE FAM HOPES THE ISSUE IS PUT TO REST.

16 March 2010
Football Association of Malaysia
WISMA FAM
JALAN SS 5A/9, KELANA JAYA, 47301 PETALING JAYA
SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN

Astro Arena - channel 801

For sports buffs who constantly surf the channels from 811 to 832 (for those fortunate enough to have Astro on HD), add 801 to your list of favourites.

Astro Arena: Nadi Sukan Malaysia, Malaysia's first and only 24-hour local sports channel in Bahasa Malaysia, is finally set to launch tomorrow at the Wisma OCM.

Contrary to a TV3 report recently, selected Super League matches will be broadcast over Astro Arena.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Surat terbuka buat Presiden BAM

Pengarang Sukan Berita Harian, Norbakti Alias, menulis surat terbuka buat presiden Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM), Datuk Nadzmi Salleh, hari ini. Ia bersifat satu amaran agar Nadzmi tidak menjadi mangsa konspirasi mainan Tok Dalang di BAM. Siapakah dalang yang dimaksudkan oleh Norbakti?



Surat terbuka buat Datuk Nadzmi


2010/03/16

KE hadapan Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Salleh, Presiden Persatuan Badminton Malaysia.

Assalamualaikum, Datuk

TERLEBIH dahulu saya memohon maaf kiranya surat ini dianggap mengganggu ketenteraman Datuk. Merujuk kepada perkara di atas, ini adalah kali pertama saya menulis surat kepada Datuk tetapi ini adalah surat kedua yang sama pentingnya ditulis oleh saya dalam tempoh sebulan ini.

Kita sedar kejayaan Datuk Lee Chong Wei menjuarai Seluruh England sebagai sesuatu yang melegakan Datuk ketika persiapan menghadapi Piala Thomas di Kuala Lumpur nampak kurang menggalakkan.

Namun ia tidak harus menyembunyikan hakikat tidak semuanya dalam BAM aman damai.
Saya terpanggil untuk menulis surat terbuka kepada Datuk selepas melihat suasana huru-hara yang dicetus pegawai BAM sehingga bukan sahaja menimbulkan keresahan di kalangan petugas di pejabat persatuan, anggota Majlis BAM, jurulatih serta pemain sendiri malah persiapan skuad Piala Thomas dan Uber negara sedikit sebanyak terjejas akibat perbuatan pegawai berkenaan yang lebih sudu daripada kuah.

Saya percaya Datuk sedia maklum selepas berpeluang berjumpa sendiri dengan beberapa pemain, sesuatu pertemuan yang gagal diatur untuk Datuk oleh pegawai itu.
Ada yang ditakut-takutkan semata-mata kerana tidak sependapat dengan pegawai itu, yang saya percaya Datuk sedia maklum siapa yang dimaksudkan. Mungkin Datuk tidak menyedari tapi itulah hakikatnya apabila pegawai itu kini mendabik dada mengatakan BAM adalah dia dan dia adalah BAM.

'Kuasa' yang dimilikinya sudah menjadikan pegawai ini mengandaikan dirinya mengatasi segalanya apabila menggunakan nama Datuk dan nama VVIP sewenang-wenangnya untuk menghalalkan segala tindakannya.

Tajaan terbaru yang diperolehi BAM sendiri sudah cukup membuktikan bagaimana Datuk sendiri dipinggirkan. Di depan Datuk, dia 'menjual' nama VVIP bagi 'menakutkan' Datuk manakala di hadapan penaja lama, nama Datuk pula 'dijualnya' untuk melepaskan dirinya.

Perbuatannya selama ini menjadi 'halal' kerana dia sedar tiada siapa yang berani membuat pengesahan daripada VVIP atau Datuk sendiri.

Taktik ini sebenarnya bukan asing dalam BAM dan penyakit ini sukar diubati selagi badminton terus mendapat perhatian tinggi orang kenamaan.

Cuma saya berharap Datuk tidak menjadi mangsa konspirasi khususnya selepas kempen Piala Thomas nanti.

Mungkin Datuk tidak menyedari sudah ada pihak yang mahu menggunakan keadaan kesihatan Datuk sebagai satu liabiliti kepada BAM walaupun sebelum ini, merekalah yang bersungguh-sungguh mahukan Datuk mempertahankan kerusi presiden sewaktu pemilihan BAM akhir tahun lalu. Tapi itu cuma rancangan dalam menghalang seseorang daripada bertanding untuk jawatan itu.

Namun jangan terkejut selepas Mei nanti, pihak itu akan menggunakan peluang 'menyingkirkan' Datuk, sama seperti situasi yang pernah dialami Datuk Dr Abdullah Fadzil Che Wan pada 2000. Sebab itulah pegawai ini tidak ambil peduli mengenai peluang skuad Piala Thomas negara, malah sanggup mengucar-kacirkan persiapan dengan tindakannya.

Perancangan ini sudah saya dengar sejak tahun lalu lagi dan dengan apa yang berlaku ketika ini, segalanya nampak semakin hampir menjadi kenyataan.

Rasanya masih belum terlewat untuk Datuk memulihkan keadaan khususnya menjelang Piala Thomas ini sambil membuktikan Datuk bukan jenis orang yang boleh diperkotak-katikkan oleh pegawai sedemikian.

Jangan nanti orang hanya mentertawakan Datuk kerana sistem ‘kaizen’ yang mahu diterapkan dalam BAM selama ini, hanya satu lawak ketika kudis sebenar BAM tidak diubati.

Mungkin kesilapan Datuk adalah terlalu mempercayai pegawai itu sehingga dia bebas melakukan apa sahaja. Barangkali selepas ini, Datuk tidak lagi sekadar mendengar satu pihak sahaja kerana pokok tidak bergoyang tanpa angin.

Namun saya percaya Datuk masih berkemampuan memperbetulkan keadaan sebelum Datuk sama-sama diheret menanggung masalah dicetus pegawai ini.

Saya tidak mempunyai sebarang agenda peribadi biarpun ada tuduhan yang dilemparkan termasuk menerima bayaran daripada pegawai itu selama ini. Teguran ikhlas ini bertujuan memperbetulkan keadaan sebelum terlambat.

Yang ikhlas,
Norbakti Alias

TM, England and the Red Devils


Today Telekom Malaysia will announce a one-year deal with the English FA which gives the telco licensing, IP and dealership rights to produce and distribute selected merchandise bearing the crest of the FIFA World Cup-bound England team. In short TM is the official telco licensee for the FA. This comes only days after TM signed a five-year deal with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Friday March 12, 2010

Manchester United and TM ink partnership deal

BY M. VEERA PANDIYAN


MANCHESTER: Manchester United (MU) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) have forged a five-year agreement to link the two brands in marketing campaigns and promotional activities.

With the deal, TM becomes the English Premier League champion’s official integrated telecommunications partner in Malaysia with licensing, intellectual property (IP) and dealership rights to produce and distribute merchandises bearing the club’s crest and team images.

TM’s brand and association with MU will be showcased to 4.2 million fans in Malaysia and more than 330 million fans and football followers worldwide.

TM Group CEO Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa receiving a TM Manchester United jersey from Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford

The partnership deal, the financial commitments of which were undisclosed, was announced at Old Trafford yesterday by TM group chief executive officer Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa and MU chief executive officer David Gill.

MU manager Sir Alex Ferguson were among those present, along with TM vice-president for group marketing Sherene Azura Azli, and MU commercial director Richard Arnold.

Zamzamzairani described the partnership as “the union of two great brands.”

“We are indeed very happy seeing two champions in their respective fields coming together. TM, one of Malaysia’s most dynamic and innovative telecoms brands, and Manchester United, one the world’s most recognised sports brands and successful football clubs,” he said.

Loyal TM customers and new subscribers will benefit from the partnership by getting opportunities to win trips to Manchester to watch MU home matches in special promotions and contests throughout the five-year contract period.

Zamzanzairani said the deal would cover a broad marketing platform for TM’s products and services, including iTalk prepaid calling cards, Streamyx broadband service and its broadband TV portal, Hypp.TV (www.hypp.tv).

It will also provide MU fans and TM customers in Malaysia access to MU’s latest news, fan videos, team profiles and online contests. Visitors need only register as a member on Hypp.TV, to view the contents and be part of the online fan activities.

Meanwhile, Gill said MU’s tour of the Far East last year showed the strength of feeling that Malaysians had for the club.

“We know that this partnership will help the club to reach the millions of fans we have in Malaysia and MU are delighted that TM has developed from sponsor of a tour match into a full-fledged partner,” he said. — BY M. VEERA PANDIYAN

Monday, March 15, 2010

Good job Datuk!

Good job Datuk Lee Chong Wei for bagging the All-England men's singles title a short while ago at the expense of unseeded Kenichi Tago, 21-19, 21-19. Chong Wei who could have pursued a career in basketball, became only the fifth Malaysian to scoop the title, after Wong Peng Soon, Eddy Choong, Tan Aik Huang and Hafiz Hashim.

But I hope we don't go overboard in lavishing him with rewards. A long stretch of road in Penang named after him, a piece of land or a pile of cash - all can wait until he hangs up his racket. For now we should encourage him to go one better than the silver in Beijing Olympics and perhaps the World Championship. It is however interesting to note Datuk Misbun Sidek has the distinction of having guided two shuttlers to the All-England title and two to the Olympic podium.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Salon FIFA - Nazri Abdullah

Subkhiddin Salleh, who is almost certain to officiate at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in June-July, pays homage to Nazri. Pic from his facebook wall.


It was a nice gesture from FIFA in bringing Mohd Nazri Abdullah's family to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, south east of Tenerife in Canary Island, Spain, on an all-expenses trip, business class all the way.

It was nicer still for the management of Hotel Melia Tamarindos, where the nation's foremost referee drew his last breath in February 2009, to immortalise his name on one of its halls.

Nazri's widow Rodziah Abdul Rahman and their kids Nur Nabilah, Nur Nadia Syafiqah, Mohamed Aliff and Mohamed are currently in Las Palmas to commemorate Nazri's demise a year ago.

Friday, March 12, 2010

EPLx Kosmo! Feb 27/March 6




Centrespread interview with K. Rajagobal

Iskandar Open v PGA Tour Asia Pacific Malaysia Classic

One is the pet project of the Johor royal family. The other is a prestigious golf tourney launched by our Prime Minister.

Read the Bernama report in December last year.

Malaysia To Host The PGA Tour Next Year, Says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak

announced that Malaysia will be hosting the prestigious golf competition, the PGA Tour, next year.

"It was my childhood ambition to see the PGA Tour brought to Malaysia and now it will become a reality...and today, I am proud to announce that next year Malaysia will be hosting the PGA Tour.

"We will be the first nation in the South East Asian region to host such a prestigious golf competition. It is a great honour to be given the opportunity," said Najib in his speech at the official launch of the Asia Pacific Golf Classic Malaysia, here Monday.

The inaugural tournament will be held at the Mines Resort and Golf Club in Seri Kembangan, near here.

At the ceremony, Najib also announced that the golf competition offers a total prize money of US$6 million and the winner of the competition will walk home with US$1 million.

"I was not quite sure then that it could happen and I didn't know what it takes to be able to host the PGA Tour event in Malaysia.

Because it certainly requires a full agreement of the PGA Tour. Fortunately, we have Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, an entrepreneur who has the courage and vision to do things that are difficult or almost impossible to do.

"The competition (the Asia Pacific Golf Classic) will also be the largest prize purse tournament in South East Asia. And, there is a commitment in place to guarantee the growth of the purse," said Najib.

He noted that the competition would further boost Malaysia's revenue through tourism and enhancing the country's standing in the international sporting arena.

"It will be a boost and very positive. It will make the Mines golf course more popular as one of the major golf courses in the world. It will also make Malaysia as the favourite golfing destination," said Najib.

He said that over the four-day competition, over 400 million households and in 200 countries around the world would be watching the prestigious competition and this would be a good avenue not only for golf but also Malaysian tourism.

The inaugural Asia Pacific Golf Classic Malaysia will feature an international field of 40 players competing.

The top 25 players from the PGA Tour's final FedExCup standings will automatically qualify, as will the top-10 available players from the Asian Tour's Order of Merit and at least one Malaysian professional will be guaranteed a place in the field.

The Star report

Tuesday March 9, 2010

Clash of dates puts Iskandar Open and Asia Paciffic Classic in jeopady

PETALING JAYA: The inaugural CIMB Asia Pacific Golf Classic, which is offering a hefty prize money of US$6mil, will be held at the same time as the Iskandar Johor Open from Oct 28-31.

And the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) are not amused and are threatening not to endorse the tournament unless the organisers change the dates.

MGA president Datuk Robin Loh said they have not been consulted regarding the inaugural Asia Pacific Classic.

“They have not come to seek our opinion so far. In my view, the timing is wrong. There cannot be two big golf tournaments going on in the country at the same time.

“This does not happen elsewhere and we will definitely be the laughing stock of the world. “If they come to talk to us, we will ask them to reconsider the dates.

“We understand the Asian Tour is looking at the Iskandar Johor Open as one of their main events and we do not want it to be interrupted.

“Otherwise, in the event of this conflict, we will write to the Sports Commissioner’s office to ask them not to issue the licence,” said Robin.

It is not just MGA but the Asian Tour who are also in a dilemma as the dates for the Iskandar Johor Open have already been fixed when the 2010 calendar was announced.

The Iskandar Johor Open this year is set to see an increase of prize money to US$2mil and timed to attract a strong field as the dates are just before the US$7mil HSBC Champions in Shanghai from Nov 4-7, which is a World Golf Championship event.

The dates for the inaugural Classic to be held at Mines Resort and Golf Club were made known when CIMB Group signed on as the title sponsor on Tuesday.

The PGA-sanctioned tournament will see a top class international field of 40 players competing for a winners’ purse of US$1mil.

The field will be made up of the top 25 available players from the PGA Tours final FedEx Cup standings, the top 10 available players from the Asian Tour Order of Merit and five sponsor exemptions. However, there is no ranking points at stake.

Robin said they have no problem with another inaugural tournament — the US$1.8mil Sime Darby LPGA Classic, which will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club from Oct 22-24.

“The organisers have been talking to us. We have no problem sanctioning an event if it brings benefit to golf development in the country and there is no conflict,” he added.

HM v HM


Harimau Muda versus Harian Metro. Oh well this heading has no bearing whatsoever with this posting.

Harian Metro's revelation under the heading Raja Lawak di Slovakia has drawn a lot of response especially in the cyberworld. Read http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/RajaLawakdiSlovakia/Article.

My take is, it's a case of FA of Malaysia (FAM) not really understanding the subject matter, thus the failure to convey the message that Harimau Muda's participation in the Slovakian League 1, which is the second-tier of the league, is competitive in nature despite the fact the games are not officially recognised in the league.

Read the NST report

By Devinder Singh

THE national Under-21 team will gain valuable exposure in Slovakia even if they are only playing friendly matches on their three-month long stint in the east European country.
FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Datuk Seri Redzuan Sheikh Ahmad defended FAM's decision to send the team to Slovakia as the best under the present circumstances.

"After what happened to the team, from the rejection by the state FAs on the team's participation in the Super League to being denied a place in the Singapore S-League, we had to do something.

"We could not just have the team hanging around here or we would come in for criticism but it seems no matter what we do, we are criticised.

"When we approached the Slovakia FA, who we have very good relations with, they accepted our proposal to play Slovak clubs with a few conditions.

"While it would have been great to win the (second-tier) Slovak League, it would have been impossible to do it halfway through with 14 matches left and we had to be realistic.

"We were not able to get what we wanted but to play 14 matches against Slovak clubs and another three international Under-21 friendly matches against Slovakia's neighbouring countries in three months is fantastic," said Redzuan yesterday.

Before the team's departure to Slovakia, FAM claimed that Azraai Khor Abdullah's under-21 side would play competitive matches, giving the impression they would actually be playing in the league.

Instead, the two games the Young Tigers have played so far against Slovak First League (second-tier) clubs MFK Ruzemberok B and Slovak Dusla Sala were nothing more than friendly matches.

FAM said the teams playing against Young Tigers would be awarded three points for a win as an incentive to field strong sides against the Malaysians, but this is not the case as shown in the current league standings on www.futbalsfk.sz, the Slovakia FA's official website.

To further confuse the situation, Young Tigers are playing friendly matches against reserve sides of top-flight clubs in between their "competitive" friendly matches.

"Maybe there has been a misunderstanding over what the team are doing in Slovakia.

"It was clear we were going there in the middle of the league so it would have been impossible to actually play in the league.

"But you have to look at the intention of the trip which is to provide exposure for the national under-21 team in playing European clubs and under-21 international teams.

"Under the circumstances, this is the best we could do. It is not the best solution of course, but we know what we are doing," said Redzuan.


On why FAM insisted all along that the team would be playing "competitive" matches in Slovakia instead of friendly games, Redzuan referred the question to the FAM secretariat.

"I do not know the contents of the agreement signed with Slovak Union of League Clubs. That, you would have to ask the secretary-general."

FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad is in Slovakia and could not be reached for comment.





Read the Kosmo report

PRESIDEN Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM), Sultan Ahmad Shah murka dengan dakwaan sebuah akhbar tabloid tempatan kelmarin yang mengatakan skuad bawah 21 tahun (B-21) negara di Slovakia telah 'kena main' majikan sendiri.

Setiausaha Agung FAM, Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad berkata, baginda menganggap laporan yang bersifat 'sensasi' itu langsung tidak mendatangkan faedah kepada perkembangan bola sepak negara.

"Mengikut apa yang dititahkan Tuanku, baginda nampaknya murka dengan laporan berita tersebut kerana ia mungkin akan menjejaskan moral dan semangat pemain-pemain B-21 negara yang berada di Slovakia ketika ini.

"Apabila saya pulang ke tanah air nanti, saya akan memohon penjelasan daripada pihak akhbar terbabit dan jika ia tidak memuaskan, Tuanku mahu kita (FAM) mengambil tindakan undang-undang," kata Azzuddin yang kini berada di Slovakia.

Isu tersebut timbul apabila dua perlawanan awal skuad B-21 negara menentang pasukan Liga Divisyen Dua Slovakia, Liga I iaitu Slovan Duslo Sala dan MFK Ruzomberok sebenarnya hanyalah berstatus aksi persahabatan.

Ia jelas bertentangan dengan apa yang diberitahu pihak FAM sebelum ini yang menyatakan semua 14 perlawanan yang disediakan buat skuad B-21 negara itu dikira sebagai aksi kompetitif dalam liga tersebut.

Biarpun demikian, Azzuddin tetap menganggap akhbar tabloid tersebut tidak memahami tujuan asal FAM menghantar skuad pelapis negara itu ke Slovakia untuk tempoh tiga bulan sehingga penghujung Mei depan.

"Apa yang saya boleh komen dengan laporan seperti itu. Ia dengan sendirinya mendedahkan mutu atau tahap profesionalisme penulis itu sendiri.

"FAM tidak ada masa untuk melayan laporan-laporan seperti ini yang tidak memberi apa-apa faedah kepada pembangunan bola sepak negara.

"Tugas FAM ialah menyediakan pasukan bola sepak kebangsaan," kata Azzuddin menerusi khidmat pesanan ringkas (SMS) kepada Kosmo! semalam.

Azzuddin turut memohon pihak media tempatan supaya memberi sokongan kepada pasukan skuad B-21 negara itu dan bukan sebaliknya.

"Mereka (skuad B-21 negara) pergi ke Slovakia ini bukanlah untuk menjadi juara Liga Slovakia. Itulah yang pihak akhbar berkenaan tidak faham," tambah Azzuddin.

Sementara itu, laman sosial facebook Harimau Muda yang sebelum ini kerap mengemaskini status terbaru pasukan dari Slovakia setiap hari telah mengambil pendekatan 'tutup mulut' selepas laporan berita tersebut keluar.

"Pihak Harimau Muda mengambil pendekatan untuk tidak membuat sebarang komen berhubung status kami di Slovakia.

"Apa pun matlamatnya, kami di sini untuk mendapatkan pendedahan di peringkat yang kompetitif di samping memantapkan diri dan pasukan untuk cabaran yang akan datang.

"Hasil yang diperoleh dari sini akan kami gunakan sebaiknya demi memartabatkan sukan bola sepak negara," kata satu status di laman facebook berkenaan yang dikendalikan jurulatihnya, Azraai Khor Abdullah dan penolong jurulatih, Azman Eusoff.



Thursday, March 4, 2010

A gentle reminder for Muhyiddin

Loose cannon remains a skeptic, a cynic is more like it, when promises are made to overhaul the education system to accommodate sports. They remain empty promises usually. Or perhaps the academic-oriented culture is so entrenched in our system that no King and Minister let alone a civilian can offer a solution or remedial measures.

But Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin who oversaw the successful staging of the Commonwealth Games in 1998, seems bent on bucking the trend. The Education Minister and former Sports Minister has pleaded to the rakyat, critics and the sports fraternity to give him time to revamp the education system.

Almost on a weekly basis, Muhyiddin has something to announce.

1. 1Student, 1Sport
2. Commitment to football
3. Sports department in every State
4. Panel to develop sports in school
5. RM89 million allocation for sports and co-curricular activities

But let loose cannon remind you, Tan Sri, that the key to all the ideas proposed is the implementation. The delivery. Even if you have strategic thinkers to produce a master plan, who's going to deliver at the grassroots? A sports secretary in an academic-oriented school? Pegawai Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah (PPD)?

In the meantime, Tan Sri, you should remind the MSSM guys to refer to you before slashing any sport or event from the annual calendar. This would prevent the controversy over the exclusion of 11 sports from the MSSM calendar.

Also please take note, Tan Sri, during economic downturns, the budget for sports in schools is the first to be reduced. No allowance, no claims et cetera et cetera. So how?

And last but not least, can we have the best experts imparting their knowledge to our kids?

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

21 days to go...


It's no walk in the park whoever sits on one of the hottest seats in Malaysian sports, the director-general of National Sports Council (NSC). The post comes with great responsibilities, ranging from devising the strategies and training programmes to win medals in multi-sports events to overseeing the welfare of the elite athletes. Naturally NSC comes under the microscope often.

Like any statutory body established under Federal laws, NSC is empowered to invest and purchase properties. By now, the chalets must be worth more than RM1 million.

The issue here is:

1. Proper procedure was not adhered to;

2. Why was it kept under wraps from 2005?

Despite the reprimand handed to Datuk Zolkples Embong, the Management Board chaired by Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek have approved the purchase recently.



PUTRAJAYA: The National Sports Council (NSC) has been given 21 days to report to the disciplinary board over the purchase of two premier seasidechalets worth RM850,000 in 2004.

The Sports Ministry gave the NSC officials, involved in the now infamous 'chalet episode', three weeks to submit their report.

Sports Ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Yasin Salleh, who also chairs the disciplinary board, confirmed the letters have been sent to individuals involved and is now awaiting their response within the given time frame. Yasin declined to reveal contents of the show cause letter.

Among those who received copies of the letter is current NSC directorgeneral Datuk Zolkples Embong.

"I suppose it's not appropriate to discuss details of the letter right now. The letters have gone out and they have also been given enough time to appeal.

"Let’s wait for their response. We should have something to say in a couple weeks time."

The Malay Mail, in its report "NSC in the soup — again!" on Feb 4, revealed that the council was ticked-off by the Auditor-General for purchasing two luxury units of the Legend Water Chalets in Port Dickson.

The chalets, installed with jacuzzi and see-through floor panels with a view of the sea, resembles more of a honeymoon suite. Its purchase was not in compliance with Government Contracts Act 1949 (revised 1979) and the NSC Act 1971.

Then director-general Datuk Wira Mazlan Ahmad had "verbally instructed" his officials, including Zolkples, to buy the property for use by the NSC community and for investment purposes.

For the record, the chalets have not been used since its completion in 2006 and were kept in the dark until recently.

Meanwhile, Yasin revealed that there has been little news on the status of the Champions Youth Cup (CYC) fiasco.

"The matter is still at the Attorney General’s office table. We’ve not heard anything new about it."

The CYC, with staging rights of RM17 million per year, was first held in 2007 amidst much controversy. It was scrapped the following year after the FA of Malaysia objected to the sanctioning of the tournament, forcing the organisers, Gifted Group Limited, to file a case against the Sports Ministry.

SPA FC, SDFC add colour to FAM League

That's Zulkifli Affendi Zakri in the middle, squatting. He's the skipper for SPA FC

Minding the net is former Penang, Perlis, Malacca Telekom and national keeper Kamarulzaman Hassan...

known in the football circles as Ayoi

SPA FC rearguard will be helmed by Nidzam Jamil (left), here with Fabien Barthez and Azmin Azram Aziz (pic 2001)

This season's FAM League offers an intriguing prospect. No doubt it's the third division under the M-League hierarchy but with the presence of SPA FC and SDFC, prepare for fireworks.

Interestingly, SPA, its not SPA where you go for rejuvenation eh, it stands for Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam or Public Services Commission in English, and Sime Darby FC, will feature ex-internationals in their line-up.

SPA FC, the first ever government agency to take part in the domestic league, were unveiled at Putrajaya two days ago, featuring three ex-internationals Kamarulzaman Hassan, Nidzam Jamil and Zulkifli Affendi Zakri as the backbone. The trio were very much part of Allan Harris' set-up in 2000-2002.

SDFC, with former FA of Malaysia treasurer Datuk Seri Mohamad Sulaiman as chairman and Tengku Ahmad Shah as team manager, boast of Mohd Nor Ismail, former Kuala Lumpur, Perak and KM Naza forward, as the skipper.

Now let us see how a Government agency and the country's leading conglomerate perform starting Sunday!