FAM, badan induk bola sepak negara, kena belasah dek media akhir-akhir ini.
Berita Harian dan Harian Metro antara yang garang mempersoalkan kesahihan hukuman yang dikenakan terhadap Persatuan Bola Sepak Selangor gara-gara empat pemain yang "lari" daripada klinik Ian Rush.
Kesimpulannya, Ahmad Khawari Isa menyebut kes FAM dibina atas dahan yang rapuh!
Ini laporan Harian Metro semalam
BAYANGKAN keadaan ini - sebuah jawatankuasa yang boleh dianggap tidak sah kerana melanggar perlembagaan persatuan, menjatuhkan pelbagai hukuman terhadap berpuluh-puluh kes yang mereka bicarakan sejak tahun lalu.
Yang menariknya, semua hukuman dijatuhkan jawatankuasa itu tetap dipatuhi kerana tidak ada sesiapa sedar bahawa ada antara individu yang memegang jawatan tinggi di dalam jawatankuasa itu sebenarnya tidak layak menduduki kerusi berkenaan.
Bunyinya memang pelik, tapi sebagai persatuan yang sudah ditubuhkan sejak sebelum Merdeka iaitu pada 1933, perkara sebegitu tidak sepatutnya berlaku, apatah lagi ketika imej Persatuan Bolasepak Malaysia (FAM) ketika ini teruk tercalar.
Jawatankuasa Tatatertib FAM yang diterajui Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat memang digeruni semua ahli gabungan FAM kerana jawatankuasa itu dianggap sebagai `mahkamah' untuk semua individu terbabit secara langsung di dalam bola sepak.
Tapi malangnya, penubuhan jawatankuasa yang bertanggungjawab terhadap semua perkara berkaitan dengan masalah disiplin pemain, pasukan dan pegawai itu sebenarnya boleh dianggap sebagai tidak sah.
Semuanya kerana kesilapan besar dilakukan pentadbiran FAM yang mungkin terlepas pandang apabila menamakan Timbalan Pengerusi, Kamaruddin Abdullah daripada kalangan bukan Ahli Majlis sedangkan ia bercanggah dengan perlembagaan.
Penubuhan jawatankuasa itu dianggap tidak menepati kehendak Perlembagaan FAM Artikel 4.04 (7A) di bawah tajuk Jawatankuasa Disiplin yang menyebut jawatankuasa terbabit perlu mempunyai seorang Pengerusi dan Timbalan Pengerusi yang mana kedua-duanya hendaklah terdiri daripada Ahli Majlis FAM.
Apa yang dinyatakan di dalam perlembagaan itu cukup jelas, sekali gus membuka pekung badan induk kebangsaan kerana bagaimana mereka boleh melantik timbalan pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tatatertib daripada kalangan bukan Ahli Majlis.
Apabila berlakunya perlanggaran perlembagaan itu, timbul pula satu persoalan yang perlu dijawab segera FAM iaitu adakah semua keputusan yang sudah dijatuhkan Jawatankuasa Tatatertib FAM itu sah atau tidak.
Terbaru, arena bola sepak negara dikejutkan apabila Jawatankuasa Tatatertib FAM mengenakan hukuman pemotongan tiga mata dan denda RM20,000 kepada FAS selain denda RM10,000 kepada ketua jurulatih, Dollah Salleh dan masing-masing RM1,000 terhadap empat penyerang skuad terbabit selepas dianggap bersalah kerana melarikan diri daripada klinik penyerang kendalian Ian Rush.
Hukuman itu mencetuskan pelbagai reaksi kurang senang daripada banyak pihak yang menganggap ia sebagai sesuatu yang keterlaluan atas kesalahan meninggalkan klinik penyerang dan bukannya kem latihan pusat.
Bekas Setiausaha Agung FAM, Datuk Seri Dr Ibrahim Saad dan bekas Naib Presiden FAM, Datuk Paduka Ahmad Basri Akil juga berkongsi pendapat yang sama iaitu hukuman yang dikenakan terhadap FAS itu terlalu berat sedangkan FAM sendiri perlu bertanggungjawab kerana mengadakan klinik terbabit ketika saingan liga tempatan sedang berlangsung.
Ini laporan sehari sebelumnya
FAM tak harus cuci tangan
BUAT pertama kalinya bekas Setiausaha Agung Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM), Datuk Seri Dr Ibrahim Saad sependapat dengan pandangan bekas Naib Presiden FAM, Datuk Paduka Ahmad Basri Akil mengenai isu hukuman yang diterima Persatuan Bola Sepak Selangor (FAS).
Bukan mudah untuk melihat dua bekas individu berpengaruh itu berkongsi
kata-kata serupa dan seperti yang diketahui umum, kedua-duanya sering
'bercakaran' di dada media.
Tetapi ketika membicarakan mengenai hukuman yang diterima FAS gara-gara empat pemain mereka 'lari' daripada klinik penyerang kendalian Ian Rush, Ibrahim menyarankan badan induk kebangsaan itu mengkaji semula hukuman berkenaan.
"FAS tidak harus dipersalahkan seratus peratus. FAM tidak harus cuci tangan begitu saja kerana mereka juga turut silap malah kesalahan mereka adalah lebih serius lagi. Adalah tidak adil FAS dikenakan tindakan sedangkan mereka tidak tahu menahu mengenai perbuatan empat pemain mereka itu.
"Apa yang penting ialah, mereka dikatakan lari daripada klinik anjuran FAM. Perlu diingat, itu adalah klinik dan bukannya kem latihan pusat. Kesilapan paling besar FAM ialah mengapa mereka mengadakan klinik itu ketika saingan liga sedang berlangsung?
"Klinik itu boleh diadakan ketika saingan pertandingan tempatan sudah tamat kerana tarikh klinik itu ditetapkan oleh FAM sendiri. Sepanjang pengetahuan saya, mana-mana pemain yang dipanggil perlu menghadirkan diri untuk menjalani latihan pusat bagi menghadapi pertandingan anjuran Konfederasi Bola Sepak Asia (AFC) atau Fifa kerana tarikh pertandingan itu bukan dalam bidang kuasa FAM.
"Tetapi klinik ini tidak ada kena mengena dengan pertandingan luar yang harus disertai skuad kebangsaan dan justeru, apakah keperluan yang mendorong FAM untuk mengenakan tindakan yang keterlaluan terhadap FAS?
"FAM juga tidak boleh memotong mata pasukan Selangor selain mengenakan hukuman denda yang tinggi terhadap FAS hanya semata-mata kesilapan yang dilakukan oleh pemain mereka. Yang patut dihukum ialah pemain dan bukannya persatuan," kata Ibrahim.
Minggu lalu, Jawatankuasa Tatatertib FAM mengenakan hukuman denda sebanyak RM20,000 terhadap FAS; denda RM10,000 terhadap jurulatih, Dollah Salleh manakala RM1,000 setiap seorang terhadap Mohd Safee Sali, Indra Putra Mahayuddin, Amirul Hadi Zainal dan Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli selepas didapati bersalah kerana meninggalkan klinik penyerang yang diadakan bulan lalu.
Ibrahim berkata, sekiranya FAS dikenakan hukuman yang begitu tinggi, banyak pihak sedang menunggu bentuk hukuman yang bakal diterima Johor Pasir Gudang dan Sabah kerana penyerang dua pasukan terbabit langsung tidak hadir untuk klinik berkenaan.
"Andai hadir sekalipun sudah dikenakan hukuman sebegitu, saya tidak dapat membayangkan apa yang bakal diterima Johor Pasir Gudang dan Sabah selepas ini," kata Ibrahim.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
RIP, Ballang
It's good that Haresh Deol of the Malay Mail took the trouble to pay tribute to former javelin thrower Ballang Lasung.
MM carried this yesterday
BALLANG LASUNG, one of Sarawak's better loved sportsman during the heyday
of Malaysian athletics in the 1960s and 70s died yesterday, aged 54.
The passing of the former national javelin thrower comes as a shock.
As condolences pour in, one man who best remembers Ballang is none
other than his `senior' Datuk Nashatar Singh.
"Ballang was an exceptional athlete," said Nashatar, a six-time SEA
Games gold medallist.
"He performed well despite his small frame and off the field he was an
honest and loveable athlete.
"The younger generation may not remember him, but his passing is
certainly a loss to the sports-loving fraternity."
An ethnic Lun Bawang from Long Semadoh, Lawas, Ballang had no problems
continuing Malaysia's dominance in the region as he won four consecutive
SEA Games gold medals - 1977 (KL Games), 1979 (Jakarta), 1981 (Manila)
and 1983 (Singapore).
Hailing from an era when athletes were forced to fend for themselves,
Ballang, who was easily identified by his mop-like hairstyle, joined the
ranks of other Sarawakian greats including the 1964 Tokyo Olympian
hurdler Kuda Ditta, footballer Terrence Janting and athlete Salleh Wahab.
Olympic Council of Malaysia secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi extended his
sympathies to the Lasung family.
"I'm saddened. I hope he was well taken care of to the end."
National Sports Council director general Datuk Zolkples Embong said:
"The younger generation do not know how many sacrifices Ballang and his
teammates made when they were forced to take out their own money and
train on their own.
"Yet these determined athletes emerged as champions."
Ballang suffered from Multiple System Atrophy, a degenerative
neurological disorder, since 2001.
As his condition deteriorated, the petite but muscular athlete was
confined to a wheelchair.
He was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy in 2003 when he was
teaching physical education at the Batu Lintang Teachers' College in
Kuching.
Ballang died at the Sarawak Hospital at 8.45am yesterday. His funeral
will be on Friday.
He is survived by wife Sussana Liew who said her husband had never
complained about his sickness and was cheerful to the last. They have a
daughter, Sarah, and, son, Brian.
MM carried this yesterday
BALLANG LASUNG, one of Sarawak's better loved sportsman during the heyday
of Malaysian athletics in the 1960s and 70s died yesterday, aged 54.
The passing of the former national javelin thrower comes as a shock.
As condolences pour in, one man who best remembers Ballang is none
other than his `senior' Datuk Nashatar Singh.
"Ballang was an exceptional athlete," said Nashatar, a six-time SEA
Games gold medallist.
"He performed well despite his small frame and off the field he was an
honest and loveable athlete.
"The younger generation may not remember him, but his passing is
certainly a loss to the sports-loving fraternity."
An ethnic Lun Bawang from Long Semadoh, Lawas, Ballang had no problems
continuing Malaysia's dominance in the region as he won four consecutive
SEA Games gold medals - 1977 (KL Games), 1979 (Jakarta), 1981 (Manila)
and 1983 (Singapore).
Hailing from an era when athletes were forced to fend for themselves,
Ballang, who was easily identified by his mop-like hairstyle, joined the
ranks of other Sarawakian greats including the 1964 Tokyo Olympian
hurdler Kuda Ditta, footballer Terrence Janting and athlete Salleh Wahab.
Olympic Council of Malaysia secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi extended his
sympathies to the Lasung family.
"I'm saddened. I hope he was well taken care of to the end."
National Sports Council director general Datuk Zolkples Embong said:
"The younger generation do not know how many sacrifices Ballang and his
teammates made when they were forced to take out their own money and
train on their own.
"Yet these determined athletes emerged as champions."
Ballang suffered from Multiple System Atrophy, a degenerative
neurological disorder, since 2001.
As his condition deteriorated, the petite but muscular athlete was
confined to a wheelchair.
He was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy in 2003 when he was
teaching physical education at the Batu Lintang Teachers' College in
Kuching.
Ballang died at the Sarawak Hospital at 8.45am yesterday. His funeral
will be on Friday.
He is survived by wife Sussana Liew who said her husband had never
complained about his sickness and was cheerful to the last. They have a
daughter, Sarah, and, son, Brian.
I hope ACA not ACAH saja
Utusan Malaysia and the New Straits Times today carried reports on ACA's investigation on a minister's links with a non-governmental organisation that purportedly spent RM1.4 million of public funds on entertainment claims.
The minister is the chairperson of the NGO, which receives grants from the government.
While I must congratulate Citizen Nades for breaking the story, the case now rests with ACA. If the Minister later says "it's my prerogative as a Minister to approve a budget", what happens then?
Morally it's wrong but legally it's not!
Kita tidak persoalkan hak-hak seorang menteri tapi yang kita mahu ialah apa jadi pada sejumlah wang yang besar? Benarkah duit itu disalurkan kepada individu-individu tertentu yang dikaitkan dengan menteri? Ini yang ACA harus siasat.
Belanja mewah: BPR mula siasat yayasan sukan wanita
PUTRAJAYA 16 April - Badan Pencegah Rasuah (BPR) telah memulakan siasatan berhubung pendedahan perbelanjaan mewah oleh Yayasan Sukan dan Kecergasan Wanita Malaysia (WSFFM) seperti dilaporkan sebuah akhbar berbahasa Inggeris hari ini.
Pengarah Siasatan BPR, Datuk Shukri Abdull berkata, pihaknya telah menghantar pegawai untuk menyiasat dakwaan tersebut.
"Kita sudah hantar pegawai untuk siasat," katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di Kota Kinabalu di sini hari ini.
Akhbar The Sun antara lain mempersoalkan perbelanjaan WSFFM yang memperoleh geran tahunan daripada kerajaan bagi tujuan hiburan dan acara yang mencecah RM1.4 juta.
Perbelanjaan lain WSFFM ialah pelancongan dan pengangkutan sebanyak RM858,000, pengiklanan dan media RM932,000 serta percetakan dan alat tulis RM710,000.
Peruntukan tahunan kepada yayasan diberikan semasa Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said yang juga Pengerusi WSFFM menyandang jawatan Menteri Belia dan Sukan.
Sementara itu, Pengerusi Eksekutif WSFFM, Dr. S. S. Hamala berkata, Azalina tiada kaitan langsung dengan pengurusan perbelanjaan itu.
Tegasnya, Azalina tidak ambil satu sen pun daripada peruntukan itu.
Jelasnya, terdapat satu jawatankuasa induk khas yang menapis tender dan mengaudit akaun yayasan.
"Dalam satu mesyuarat yang diadakan pada 29 Januari lalu, sebanyak 196 ahli telah bersetuju dengan penggunaan wang tersebut selepas penjelasan diberikan oleh ahli jawatankuasa itu.
"Mereka yang tidak menghadirinya pasti musykil bagaimana wang itu digunakan. Malangnya, wartawan yang menulis artikel itu tidak pernah menghubungi kami untuk mendapatkan penjelasan," jelasnya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia malam ini.
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0417&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Dalam_Negeri&pg=dn_02.htm
ACA to probe minister's link to NGO's RM1.4m bill
PUTRAJAYA: The Anti-Corruption Agency will look into a minister's links with a non-governmental organisation that purportedly spent RM1.4 million of public funds on entertainment claims.
The minister is the chairperson of the NGO, which receives grants from the government.
An ACA source said the NGO's annual reports would be scrutinised, although this did not mean the agency was opening investigation papers.
"The ministry gives the NGO grants and it is its prerogative to spend the money.
"However, we will do a thorough check and look at their annual reports," the source said.
More information had to be gathered before deciding whether investigation papers would be opened, the officer added.
ACA deputy director-general Datuk Abu Kassim said he would comment on the case after receiving more information from his officers.
The NGO's spending was highlighted in an English-language newspaper yesterday, which said it had obtained a copy of the annual report.
Also listed in the expenditure was RM1.18 million on grants, RM2.1 million on meals and accommodation, RM932,000 on media and advertising, RM710,000 on production, RM710,000 on printing and stationery, RM865,400 on equipment rental, RM242,000 for volunteers' allowances, RM117,700 on wages, and RM858,000 for travelling and transportation.
In an immediate response, the Women's Sports and Fitness Foundation Malaysia (WSFFM) emailed to newspapers its explanation on its spending.
WSFFM said it organised the National Women Games last year, with the participation of 3,400 athletes and 600 officials.
It also hosted an international conference, attended by 289 participants, and various courses for 780 officials.
For the games, it provided free internal transport between the games village and competition venues, as well as meals for athletes and officials.
It also gave gifts of pillows, pillowcases, bedsheets and blankets to the athletes and officials. Each set was priced at RM44.
WSFFM explained that these were given as it would have cost the organisers RM60 per person per day to rent them at the games village.
T-shirts were also given to athletes, officials, volunteers, technical officers and others for easy identification.
On grants, it said RM30,000 was given to each of the 15 state sports council and to the national sports associations for organising the competitions.
The email also listed wages and allowances but no amount was given.
On the RM1.4 million entertainment bill, WSFFM said: "The precise definition of the term entertainment used in the accounts encompasses a broad range of expenses related to sports events, athletes and team management participating in the National Women Games 2007."
This included ceremonial events, opening and closing ceremonies, and prize-giving ceremonies.
"The WSFFM is able to justify every single expense and investment the government, Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council provide to women and sports through us.
"There is no manipulation in our expenditure, no one has taken a single sen for personal gain and we have been very transparent to publish this for public consumption."
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Frontpage/2215853/Article/index_html
The minister is the chairperson of the NGO, which receives grants from the government.
While I must congratulate Citizen Nades for breaking the story, the case now rests with ACA. If the Minister later says "it's my prerogative as a Minister to approve a budget", what happens then?
Morally it's wrong but legally it's not!
Kita tidak persoalkan hak-hak seorang menteri tapi yang kita mahu ialah apa jadi pada sejumlah wang yang besar? Benarkah duit itu disalurkan kepada individu-individu tertentu yang dikaitkan dengan menteri? Ini yang ACA harus siasat.
Belanja mewah: BPR mula siasat yayasan sukan wanita
PUTRAJAYA 16 April - Badan Pencegah Rasuah (BPR) telah memulakan siasatan berhubung pendedahan perbelanjaan mewah oleh Yayasan Sukan dan Kecergasan Wanita Malaysia (WSFFM) seperti dilaporkan sebuah akhbar berbahasa Inggeris hari ini.
Pengarah Siasatan BPR, Datuk Shukri Abdull berkata, pihaknya telah menghantar pegawai untuk menyiasat dakwaan tersebut.
"Kita sudah hantar pegawai untuk siasat," katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di Kota Kinabalu di sini hari ini.
Akhbar The Sun antara lain mempersoalkan perbelanjaan WSFFM yang memperoleh geran tahunan daripada kerajaan bagi tujuan hiburan dan acara yang mencecah RM1.4 juta.
Perbelanjaan lain WSFFM ialah pelancongan dan pengangkutan sebanyak RM858,000, pengiklanan dan media RM932,000 serta percetakan dan alat tulis RM710,000.
Peruntukan tahunan kepada yayasan diberikan semasa Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said yang juga Pengerusi WSFFM menyandang jawatan Menteri Belia dan Sukan.
Sementara itu, Pengerusi Eksekutif WSFFM, Dr. S. S. Hamala berkata, Azalina tiada kaitan langsung dengan pengurusan perbelanjaan itu.
Tegasnya, Azalina tidak ambil satu sen pun daripada peruntukan itu.
Jelasnya, terdapat satu jawatankuasa induk khas yang menapis tender dan mengaudit akaun yayasan.
"Dalam satu mesyuarat yang diadakan pada 29 Januari lalu, sebanyak 196 ahli telah bersetuju dengan penggunaan wang tersebut selepas penjelasan diberikan oleh ahli jawatankuasa itu.
"Mereka yang tidak menghadirinya pasti musykil bagaimana wang itu digunakan. Malangnya, wartawan yang menulis artikel itu tidak pernah menghubungi kami untuk mendapatkan penjelasan," jelasnya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia malam ini.
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0417&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Dalam_Negeri&pg=dn_02.htm
ACA to probe minister's link to NGO's RM1.4m bill
PUTRAJAYA: The Anti-Corruption Agency will look into a minister's links with a non-governmental organisation that purportedly spent RM1.4 million of public funds on entertainment claims.
The minister is the chairperson of the NGO, which receives grants from the government.
An ACA source said the NGO's annual reports would be scrutinised, although this did not mean the agency was opening investigation papers.
"The ministry gives the NGO grants and it is its prerogative to spend the money.
"However, we will do a thorough check and look at their annual reports," the source said.
More information had to be gathered before deciding whether investigation papers would be opened, the officer added.
ACA deputy director-general Datuk Abu Kassim said he would comment on the case after receiving more information from his officers.
The NGO's spending was highlighted in an English-language newspaper yesterday, which said it had obtained a copy of the annual report.
Also listed in the expenditure was RM1.18 million on grants, RM2.1 million on meals and accommodation, RM932,000 on media and advertising, RM710,000 on production, RM710,000 on printing and stationery, RM865,400 on equipment rental, RM242,000 for volunteers' allowances, RM117,700 on wages, and RM858,000 for travelling and transportation.
In an immediate response, the Women's Sports and Fitness Foundation Malaysia (WSFFM) emailed to newspapers its explanation on its spending.
WSFFM said it organised the National Women Games last year, with the participation of 3,400 athletes and 600 officials.
It also hosted an international conference, attended by 289 participants, and various courses for 780 officials.
For the games, it provided free internal transport between the games village and competition venues, as well as meals for athletes and officials.
It also gave gifts of pillows, pillowcases, bedsheets and blankets to the athletes and officials. Each set was priced at RM44.
WSFFM explained that these were given as it would have cost the organisers RM60 per person per day to rent them at the games village.
T-shirts were also given to athletes, officials, volunteers, technical officers and others for easy identification.
On grants, it said RM30,000 was given to each of the 15 state sports council and to the national sports associations for organising the competitions.
The email also listed wages and allowances but no amount was given.
On the RM1.4 million entertainment bill, WSFFM said: "The precise definition of the term entertainment used in the accounts encompasses a broad range of expenses related to sports events, athletes and team management participating in the National Women Games 2007."
This included ceremonial events, opening and closing ceremonies, and prize-giving ceremonies.
"The WSFFM is able to justify every single expense and investment the government, Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council provide to women and sports through us.
"There is no manipulation in our expenditure, no one has taken a single sen for personal gain and we have been very transparent to publish this for public consumption."
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Frontpage/2215853/Article/index_html
Scrap the women's division in NSC
Just to add on Citizen Nades' earth-shattering story on the exorbitant claims by the Women’s Sports and Fitness Foundation Malaysia (WSFFM), I believe it's time for the new Sports Minister to review the status of the women's division in the National Sports Council. It was established during Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said's rule.
Why should sports be gender-based?
Read this,
Song and dance while others suffer
Besides, there’s an expenditure for shirts and uniform. Why should Joe Public pay for these people to strut around in tailor-made shirts? Please tell us why they deserve to be given even clothes!
R. Nadeswaran
ON Monday, the sports fraternity, police officers and government officials pored over details on the route the Olympic Torch will take when it arrives on our shores. Foremost on their minds was what to expect from protesters – sympathisers of Tibet and members of the controversial and much-maligned Falungong sect which is banned in China.
If I were in their shoes, I wouldn’t worry much about these groups. I would rather be frightened of Malaysians who have managed to get a copy of the annual report of the Women’s Sports and Fitness Foundation Malaysia (WSFFM), which discloses some sordid details.
Malaysians would rather protest against how their money has been mismanaged than bother about what’s going on in Tibet.
Financial statements published in annual reports never go into details, most of the time, being lumped one under sub-headings; but the foundation’s report for last year makes compelling reading. But before that, something on this organisation – WSFFM.
According to its website, the foundation is devoted to the empowerment of women through sports and fitness. The foundation, the website says, has pursued this goal from 1995 along with “our humble quest to enlighten women on the significance of sports and fitness as a national agenda”.
It also says (reproduced verbatim): The chairperson of WSFFM, Dato’ Seri Azalina Othman Said, is a leader with a distinction, inspiring and is truly sincere in making a difference in women’s life. It’s indeed an honor for the Foundation to have the first woman Minister of Youth and Sports as our Chairperson. Dato’ Seri Azalina has always advocated unity and women empowerment through sports. She has motivated and enabled girls and women to reach greater heights. The realizations of her vision and strategic plans have already begun and been proven.
But looking at the income and expenditure, one wonders whether these goals have been achieved. Let’s look at the income: The National Sports Council gave a grant of RM9.72 million and another RM1.5 million came from the Youth and Sports Ministry. There were two smaller amounts – RM200,000 from the Olivia Newton John concert and RM110,000 from Datuk Dina Rizal’s Sports Unite Sdn Bhd.
No one will complain about that. But when the page is turned and the expenditure is listed out, one cannot but be aghast over how the money had been used. Before even one sen is spent, the question that should be foremost on the minds of the people who are holding public money in trust should be: How will doing this help the sportswomen?
For purposes of easy reading and understanding of the issues involved, here’s where the bulk of the money went:
• Grants RM1.18 million
• Meals and Accommodation RM2.1 million
• Media and Advertising RM932,000
• Post and Production RM710,000
• Printing and Stationery RM710,000
• Rental of Equipment RM865,400
• Volunteers’ Allowances RM242,000
• Wages RM117,700
• Entertainment RM1.4 million
• Travelling and Transportation RM858,000
But before anyone argues that this foundation is a non-governmental organisation and the media has no right to question how it spends money, let it be said that this foundation received more than RM11 million in taxpayers’ funds. Every right-thinking Malaysian must ensure that it is spent prudently and for the benefit of the rakyat and not on self-seeking or syiok sendiri projects.
If meals, accommodation and entertainment accounted for 30% of the expenditure, then something is wrong with the system and no one cared for a basic principle called prudence.
Besides, there’s an expenditure for shirts and uniform. Why should Joe Public pay for these people to strut around in tailor-made shirts? Please tell us why they deserve to be given even clothes! Then there’re payments totalling RM250,000 as “gifts and condolences”. What the heck is this? Why is taxpayers’ money being used to buy such expensive gifts and messages of condolences?
And it cost RM100,000 for the “upkeep of temp(orary) secretariat. What? Then, there’s this payment of RM20,900 as “professional fee”. For what and to whom? What kind of professional services were rendered?
Who did they entertain for RM1.4 million or who did they pay that sum of money for to be entertained? Of course not Newton-John because she performed at Genting which donated RM200,000 from the ticket sales. So, where did our money go?
What could have been done with RM1.4 million? For a start, at least 1,000 of those who live below the poverty line could have received RM100 a month each in allowances for a year! At least 100 children with heart diseases could have gone for surgery without having to go on the streets with begging bowls.
And imagine a handful of people entertaining or being entertained while the poor eat kanji as their only meal or while children continue to suffer, unable to afford treatment. Is it justified?
If there’s nothing to hide, just open the books for public scrutiny. After all, our money was used. And to the National Sports Council: How did you approve such a sum of money for all these luxuries?
Don’t forget, the allocation for sports is not for entertainment, shirts or meals. And the director-general and the board members owe a responsibility to the taxpayers by telling us the truth, but nothing but the truth.
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=21506
and this, a reply from Dr S. Shamala, WSFFM executive director
The WSFFM would like to provide the following information pertaining the above-mentioned article:
1) The 1.4 Million under the category of Entertainment
a. The 1.4 Million was utilized for the expenditure of the Opening and Closing Ceremony of the National Women Games 2007.
2) T-Shirts
The t-shirts were for the purpose of the National Women Games and the total t-shirts distribution are as follows:
1. Volunteers – 350 x 2 sets
2. Security – 180 x 2 sets
3. Participants – 3,500
4. Officials (Team / Technical / Committee Member) – 1,820
The reason for the t-shirts is for Identification of Jobs and Designation. The volunteers need identification, such as bright orange for volunteers and Red for security.
3) 250, 000 for gifts and condolences - were for the free Pillow,Pillowcase, Bedsheets and Blankets given to the 3,400 athletes and 600 officials. The total price is RM44 for one set. These were given to the participants and officials for free because the cost to utilize these facilities at the Games Village @ hostel would require a daily rental of RM10, the total rental cost would be an estimated RM10 * 6 days = RM 60 per person, making this definately more than us producing these items and distributing it for free. Thus, it would be the most optmized decision in terms of cost effectiveness.
4) 100, 000 for the "upkeep of the temporary Secretariat"
a. The temporary Secretariat is for the following :
i. The National Women Games – games village secretariat which provided a working space, computer and network printer for the Contingent Secretariat and the Sub-Committeee Operations
ii. It also comprised of the Secretariat set-up for the International Women and Sports Conference 2007
5) RM20, 900 as "professional fees"
a. The professional fees includes the accounting and auditing charges for WSFFM 2006 and 2007 accounts and the National Women Games accounts 2007 respectively.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Shamala Subramaniam
Executive Director
Why should sports be gender-based?
Read this,
Song and dance while others suffer
Besides, there’s an expenditure for shirts and uniform. Why should Joe Public pay for these people to strut around in tailor-made shirts? Please tell us why they deserve to be given even clothes!
R. Nadeswaran
ON Monday, the sports fraternity, police officers and government officials pored over details on the route the Olympic Torch will take when it arrives on our shores. Foremost on their minds was what to expect from protesters – sympathisers of Tibet and members of the controversial and much-maligned Falungong sect which is banned in China.
If I were in their shoes, I wouldn’t worry much about these groups. I would rather be frightened of Malaysians who have managed to get a copy of the annual report of the Women’s Sports and Fitness Foundation Malaysia (WSFFM), which discloses some sordid details.
Malaysians would rather protest against how their money has been mismanaged than bother about what’s going on in Tibet.
Financial statements published in annual reports never go into details, most of the time, being lumped one under sub-headings; but the foundation’s report for last year makes compelling reading. But before that, something on this organisation – WSFFM.
According to its website, the foundation is devoted to the empowerment of women through sports and fitness. The foundation, the website says, has pursued this goal from 1995 along with “our humble quest to enlighten women on the significance of sports and fitness as a national agenda”.
It also says (reproduced verbatim): The chairperson of WSFFM, Dato’ Seri Azalina Othman Said, is a leader with a distinction, inspiring and is truly sincere in making a difference in women’s life. It’s indeed an honor for the Foundation to have the first woman Minister of Youth and Sports as our Chairperson. Dato’ Seri Azalina has always advocated unity and women empowerment through sports. She has motivated and enabled girls and women to reach greater heights. The realizations of her vision and strategic plans have already begun and been proven.
But looking at the income and expenditure, one wonders whether these goals have been achieved. Let’s look at the income: The National Sports Council gave a grant of RM9.72 million and another RM1.5 million came from the Youth and Sports Ministry. There were two smaller amounts – RM200,000 from the Olivia Newton John concert and RM110,000 from Datuk Dina Rizal’s Sports Unite Sdn Bhd.
No one will complain about that. But when the page is turned and the expenditure is listed out, one cannot but be aghast over how the money had been used. Before even one sen is spent, the question that should be foremost on the minds of the people who are holding public money in trust should be: How will doing this help the sportswomen?
For purposes of easy reading and understanding of the issues involved, here’s where the bulk of the money went:
• Grants RM1.18 million
• Meals and Accommodation RM2.1 million
• Media and Advertising RM932,000
• Post and Production RM710,000
• Printing and Stationery RM710,000
• Rental of Equipment RM865,400
• Volunteers’ Allowances RM242,000
• Wages RM117,700
• Entertainment RM1.4 million
• Travelling and Transportation RM858,000
But before anyone argues that this foundation is a non-governmental organisation and the media has no right to question how it spends money, let it be said that this foundation received more than RM11 million in taxpayers’ funds. Every right-thinking Malaysian must ensure that it is spent prudently and for the benefit of the rakyat and not on self-seeking or syiok sendiri projects.
If meals, accommodation and entertainment accounted for 30% of the expenditure, then something is wrong with the system and no one cared for a basic principle called prudence.
Besides, there’s an expenditure for shirts and uniform. Why should Joe Public pay for these people to strut around in tailor-made shirts? Please tell us why they deserve to be given even clothes! Then there’re payments totalling RM250,000 as “gifts and condolences”. What the heck is this? Why is taxpayers’ money being used to buy such expensive gifts and messages of condolences?
And it cost RM100,000 for the “upkeep of temp(orary) secretariat. What? Then, there’s this payment of RM20,900 as “professional fee”. For what and to whom? What kind of professional services were rendered?
Who did they entertain for RM1.4 million or who did they pay that sum of money for to be entertained? Of course not Newton-John because she performed at Genting which donated RM200,000 from the ticket sales. So, where did our money go?
What could have been done with RM1.4 million? For a start, at least 1,000 of those who live below the poverty line could have received RM100 a month each in allowances for a year! At least 100 children with heart diseases could have gone for surgery without having to go on the streets with begging bowls.
And imagine a handful of people entertaining or being entertained while the poor eat kanji as their only meal or while children continue to suffer, unable to afford treatment. Is it justified?
If there’s nothing to hide, just open the books for public scrutiny. After all, our money was used. And to the National Sports Council: How did you approve such a sum of money for all these luxuries?
Don’t forget, the allocation for sports is not for entertainment, shirts or meals. And the director-general and the board members owe a responsibility to the taxpayers by telling us the truth, but nothing but the truth.
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=21506
and this, a reply from Dr S. Shamala, WSFFM executive director
The WSFFM would like to provide the following information pertaining the above-mentioned article:
1) The 1.4 Million under the category of Entertainment
a. The 1.4 Million was utilized for the expenditure of the Opening and Closing Ceremony of the National Women Games 2007.
2) T-Shirts
The t-shirts were for the purpose of the National Women Games and the total t-shirts distribution are as follows:
1. Volunteers – 350 x 2 sets
2. Security – 180 x 2 sets
3. Participants – 3,500
4. Officials (Team / Technical / Committee Member) – 1,820
The reason for the t-shirts is for Identification of Jobs and Designation. The volunteers need identification, such as bright orange for volunteers and Red for security.
3) 250, 000 for gifts and condolences - were for the free Pillow,Pillowcase, Bedsheets and Blankets given to the 3,400 athletes and 600 officials. The total price is RM44 for one set. These were given to the participants and officials for free because the cost to utilize these facilities at the Games Village @ hostel would require a daily rental of RM10, the total rental cost would be an estimated RM10 * 6 days = RM 60 per person, making this definately more than us producing these items and distributing it for free. Thus, it would be the most optmized decision in terms of cost effectiveness.
4) 100, 000 for the "upkeep of the temporary Secretariat"
a. The temporary Secretariat is for the following :
i. The National Women Games – games village secretariat which provided a working space, computer and network printer for the Contingent Secretariat and the Sub-Committeee Operations
ii. It also comprised of the Secretariat set-up for the International Women and Sports Conference 2007
5) RM20, 900 as "professional fees"
a. The professional fees includes the accounting and auditing charges for WSFFM 2006 and 2007 accounts and the National Women Games accounts 2007 respectively.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Shamala Subramaniam
Executive Director
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The day I was invited to discuss TARRC
I was invited for a sumptuous Chinese lunch at PJ Hilton one fine day, to discuss, among other things, the need to stop criticising the project called the high-performance training centre in London.
In attendance was Berita Harian sports editor, Norbakti Alias, a former big-shot of Berita Harian, a politician who lost in the recent General Elections and two representatives of the company that was given, or won, I'm not too sure, the contract to upgrade certain areas of the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC).
There was even an invite for me to have a look around at TARRC. Yes, all the way to London. Whether it was a one-way ticket or not, well, we will never know...
In attendance was Berita Harian sports editor, Norbakti Alias, a former big-shot of Berita Harian, a politician who lost in the recent General Elections and two representatives of the company that was given, or won, I'm not too sure, the contract to upgrade certain areas of the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC).
There was even an invite for me to have a look around at TARRC. Yes, all the way to London. Whether it was a one-way ticket or not, well, we will never know...
Two days ago, The Sun said...
Let’s have ALL the answers
WHILE prudent taxpayers rejoice over the fact that their RM490 million will be spent on more beneficial projects than a forward base in London for national athletes, it is too soon to pop the champagne.
Many questions abound as to why the government spearheaded by the previous administration of the Youth and Sports Ministry as well as the cabinet committee on sports development was gung-ho to proceed with an expensive project, which was doomed from the word go. The East Herts Council, from the outset had maintained that it would not approve transforming the heritage-listed Tun Abdul Razak Rubber Research Centre in Brickendonbury which sits on a green belt into a high performance training centre for Malaysian sportsmen who are competing in Europe.
Unlike some individuals in our country, the British authorities pride themselves in doing things by the book, without fear or favour – the kau tim culture being as alien a term to them as a game of sepak takraw.
In spite of the discouraging forecast, the Malaysian government decided to go ahead to woo the English, spending in excess of RM2 million on consultants, architects, travel and accommodation expenses for Malaysian agents and representatives as well as a PR exercise called "the Olympics comes to Hertfordshire" – piggy-back riding on the hype over the 2012 Games in London.
The persistence of then Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said in pushing the project in spite of the protest by Malaysians and documented negative remarks over the project by city council officials who had the final say, gives one the impression that the wishes of the public are never a primary concern for our decision-makers; while at the same time, wanting to exert control over something that is beyond their power.
Now that good sense has finally prevailed with the project being buried for good, thanks in no small part to Azalina’s successor Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob who had convinced the government not to throw any more good money on a project that was doomed to failure, it is imperative for those whose bright idea it was to come up with this proposal in the first place to come clean with the amount spent so far (click here for related article).
Ismail had given his undertaking that these figures will be revealed. But that is not enough. Those working on the project must be put on the stand and give cogent answers to the following questions: why they pursued the project despite its unpopularity and in the midst of the country’s waning fiscal strength; who are the rent-seekers and agents who benefited; what were the criteria of their appointments as well as that of those on the working committee – many of whom are businessmen without any affiliation to or experience in sports management and competition; why were squash and junior football teams who were sent there made to say that the facilities "were great" when in fact there were none, while they stayed at a hotel 20 minutes away.
These questions, apart from a detailed account on monies spent, are pertinent and must be addressed accordingly if the government, which has just been returned to power on a smaller mandate wants to make good on its promise of prudence, accountability and transparency. To show it is serious, it must be forthcoming with its responses, and yes, heads must roll.
Updated: 11:23AM Mon, 14 Apr 2008
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=21459
WHILE prudent taxpayers rejoice over the fact that their RM490 million will be spent on more beneficial projects than a forward base in London for national athletes, it is too soon to pop the champagne.
Many questions abound as to why the government spearheaded by the previous administration of the Youth and Sports Ministry as well as the cabinet committee on sports development was gung-ho to proceed with an expensive project, which was doomed from the word go. The East Herts Council, from the outset had maintained that it would not approve transforming the heritage-listed Tun Abdul Razak Rubber Research Centre in Brickendonbury which sits on a green belt into a high performance training centre for Malaysian sportsmen who are competing in Europe.
Unlike some individuals in our country, the British authorities pride themselves in doing things by the book, without fear or favour – the kau tim culture being as alien a term to them as a game of sepak takraw.
In spite of the discouraging forecast, the Malaysian government decided to go ahead to woo the English, spending in excess of RM2 million on consultants, architects, travel and accommodation expenses for Malaysian agents and representatives as well as a PR exercise called "the Olympics comes to Hertfordshire" – piggy-back riding on the hype over the 2012 Games in London.
The persistence of then Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said in pushing the project in spite of the protest by Malaysians and documented negative remarks over the project by city council officials who had the final say, gives one the impression that the wishes of the public are never a primary concern for our decision-makers; while at the same time, wanting to exert control over something that is beyond their power.
Now that good sense has finally prevailed with the project being buried for good, thanks in no small part to Azalina’s successor Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob who had convinced the government not to throw any more good money on a project that was doomed to failure, it is imperative for those whose bright idea it was to come up with this proposal in the first place to come clean with the amount spent so far (click here for related article).
Ismail had given his undertaking that these figures will be revealed. But that is not enough. Those working on the project must be put on the stand and give cogent answers to the following questions: why they pursued the project despite its unpopularity and in the midst of the country’s waning fiscal strength; who are the rent-seekers and agents who benefited; what were the criteria of their appointments as well as that of those on the working committee – many of whom are businessmen without any affiliation to or experience in sports management and competition; why were squash and junior football teams who were sent there made to say that the facilities "were great" when in fact there were none, while they stayed at a hotel 20 minutes away.
These questions, apart from a detailed account on monies spent, are pertinent and must be addressed accordingly if the government, which has just been returned to power on a smaller mandate wants to make good on its promise of prudence, accountability and transparency. To show it is serious, it must be forthcoming with its responses, and yes, heads must roll.
Updated: 11:23AM Mon, 14 Apr 2008
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=21459
Beach soccer in Malacca
The scenic Klebang Beach in Malacca will play host to a major international invitational beach soccer event in October.
The inaugural Malacca International Beach Soccer 2008 is set to be a top sports tourism draw for Melaka on Oct 13-19 this year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, speaking at the press conference to announce the event, said that event would promote the State as a key sports-tourism destination.
The event would be organised and promoted by AEJAZ EVENTS SDN BHD together with SENANDUNG KURNIA SDN BHD.
"With participating teams coming from as far as South America, Europe and Asia, I am sure this tournament would turn out to be a major sporting event for 2008 and also become a tourist attraction as it will be the first time that a Beach Soccer tournament will be held in our State," said Ali Rustam.
Eight teams including one from Malaysia are expected to participate in the tournament.
Malaysia last hosted an international beach soccer event a decade ago at the Stadium Negara.
Event promoters Aejaz confirmed that they are already in discussion with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to ensure the smooth running of the event as well as the participation of the Malaysian team.
The inaugural Malacca International Beach Soccer 2008 is set to be a top sports tourism draw for Melaka on Oct 13-19 this year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, speaking at the press conference to announce the event, said that event would promote the State as a key sports-tourism destination.
The event would be organised and promoted by AEJAZ EVENTS SDN BHD together with SENANDUNG KURNIA SDN BHD.
"With participating teams coming from as far as South America, Europe and Asia, I am sure this tournament would turn out to be a major sporting event for 2008 and also become a tourist attraction as it will be the first time that a Beach Soccer tournament will be held in our State," said Ali Rustam.
Eight teams including one from Malaysia are expected to participate in the tournament.
Malaysia last hosted an international beach soccer event a decade ago at the Stadium Negara.
Event promoters Aejaz confirmed that they are already in discussion with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to ensure the smooth running of the event as well as the participation of the Malaysian team.
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