MOHAMMED Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali who had resigned as the Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) president on April 13 has withdrawn it and will continue in his role for the remainder of the current term.
“I will continue serving in this capacity unless the Sports Commissioner of Malaysia (PJS) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), upon the conclusion of their investigations or through formal intervention, determine otherwise,” he said in a statement.
Since he resigned, he said he has received tremendous support, and most were unaware of the shadow movements of a small group of people
“Recent legal advice has confirmed that the requisition for an EGM to remove Exco members was most likely ultra vires and conducted in bad faith, under the cloud of misinformation and promises of future benefits.
“We have evidence that confirms the original requisition was not signed by at least one individual and without the knowledge of some senior members of state associations,” he said.
Also, he said several individuals that have been nominated for leadership positions had direct knowledge of this and one even made representation on behalf of those "signatories".
“This is a serious issue and can only be settled by the authorities.
“I can confirm that this information is with our legal advisors and for now has been submitted to PJS and the Anti-Corruption Unit of the ICC for their immediate intervention.
“In addition, submissions to PDRM and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission will also be done,” he said.
He said investigations are at various stages and as they involve various authorities, it will require the full involvement of those who have knowledge of these matters.
Environment of fear, bullying
“There is currently an environment of fear, bullying and intimidation perpetrated by those who have orchestrated this attempt to usurp the legitimate process of a proper election.
“I don't want this to be known as the stolen election,” he stressed.
Under this current scenario, Iqbal recommended the upcoming biennial general meeting to be put on hold, to allow the proper investigations to take place.
This will be the only way for the MCA to maintain its integrity and avoid a lengthy battle in the courts that will derail and effect the short-term and long-term aspirations and goals for cricket in the nation, he said.
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.
"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.
Sources claimed that the treasurer of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Datuk Ahmad Feisal Ahmad Tajuddin who is the vice-president of MCA was also involved - raising questions whether the OCM also played a role in the conspiracy
Apart from Iqbal, other Exco members who have since withdrawn their resignations include its deputy president Dr. Arun Kumar Beshamber Nath and honorary treasurer Amarjeet Singh. – April 22, 2025
