MOHAMMED Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali resigned as the Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) president today, claiming that there was a coup against him.
“I wish to announce my resignation from my current position as the President of the MCA effective today," he said in a statement.
"As a former national team captain, I know what it means to lead our country's team on the field and as a President of the MCA, I know what it means to lead our nation's collective efforts to develop the sport of cricket," he said.
He said that under his leadership, the current Exco is the most successful in the history of Malaysian cricket.
"Our national men’s and women’s teams have enjoyed their highest ranking in Malaysian cricket history, both reaching the rank of 24th in the world.
"We have hosted both the Under-19 Women’s Asia and World Cups in Malaysia, the latter being the highest viewed sporting event hosted in the history of Malaysia with over 750 million viewers worldwide.
"This year the MCA hit a revenue of over RM17 million ... when I took over it was merely RM4 million per year," he said.
He stressed that he was stepping down to maintain his integrity and that his love for the game has not diminished.
"I would like to congratulate those who have orchestrated this coup d'état. For those who have stepped down with me today, it is not a matter of esprit de corps but a clear understanding of what is proper at times like these.
"I cannot speak for those who have not resigned today – it will be for them to address in their own conscience, and I will let history judge their actions," said Mohammed Iqbal.
He added, “Only the wisdom of our previous generations can be called upon to understand what has happened; mesti ada udang sebalik batu (there must be some funny business afoot),".
"For the young boys and girls who will come to learn of what happened here today, I hope and pray that it does not negatively impact your image of our beloved sport. Turn your eyes away as this is the selfish actions of a few,".
Conspiracy theory
The Vibes had earlier reported that there was a conspiracy by certain members to overthrow the president and deputy of the MCA following claims by a state vice-president that his signature was forged.
Perak Cricket's M. Muniandy, who is also MCA's head coach had lodged a formal complaint over his forged signature.
His signature was allegedly forged in a requisition form by Perak Cricket to remove MCA's president and deputy.
It was also reported that certain individuals in the MCA were planning a coup d'etat as they now see the potential of the MCA, access to the Prime Minister (who for the first time since the glory days of Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar, acknowledged and supported Malaysian cricket) and now wanted to use it for their own benefits.
"From what we know, they are trying to coax the state chairmen to sign a petition to hold an emergency general meeting with the singular aim of removing the president and deputy president.
"They want to use this backdoor route rather than wait for the normal AGM which is imminent and win via democratic means," revealed a source.
When contacted by The Vibes, most of the state MCA chairmen refused to comment on the petition while two were angered when queried if they had signed.
Perak Cricket (PCA) honorary secretary Mohamad Salim had expressed his disappointment that PCA had been implicated in the conspiracy to overthrow the president and his deputy.
It was learnt that among those behind the conspiracy to overthrow MCA's president and deputy were Gordon Chung, who is the vice-president of Sarawak Cricket.
He was allegedly backing MCA's past president, Mahinda Vallipuram who, according to sources wants to return to the MCA presidency.
It has been rumoured that Mahinda was having problems maintaining his position in the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is hoping that having control of the MCA,
either directly or through proxies may provide the support he needs.
A source close to the ICC suggested that the "Malaysian nominee" at ICC had become too much of a bag carrier and always referred to the head of the ICC with an honorific 'Sir' at the end of any interaction.
"Chung has apparently broken all decorum and turned council meetings into a shouting match which is what finally led the President and several others to walk out.
"However, it is also thought among insiders that they will all make a comeback at the AGM and plan to expose the conspiracy and all those involved," revealed the source.
The source claimed that the treasurer of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Datuk Ahmad Feisal Ahmad Tajuddin who is the vice-president of MCA and close to OCM president Tan Sri Mohammad Norza Zakaria was also involved - raising questions whether the OCM also played a role in the conspiracy.- April 13, 2025
