KUALA LUMPUR - It is hoped that the Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (PSM), who have been hit by withdrawals of several state associations due to the conflict faced by PSM, will be able to salvage the situation.
Sports Commissioner Ibrahim Mohd Yusof said he hoped that the Supreme Council and PSM affiliates would be able to find a solution in determining the direction of the national governing body in the interest of the development of sepak takraw in the country.
He said although PSM had been kicked out from the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (ASTAF), PSM, who are registered under the Sports Development Act 1997, could still carry out their activities in the country as long as their registration is not revoked.
However, Ibrahim said that if the development of sepak takraw in the country is affected, his office can take several appropriate actions, including revoking the PSM’s registration.
“PSM have 14 days to appeal. I hope they use it and take the necessary follow-up measures based on the constitutions of ASTAF and PSM. PSM and their 17 affiliates, comprising state associations, are still active in promoting the sport of sepak takraw in Malaysia,” he said at a press conference at his office here, today.
On Thursday, ASTAF expelled PSM with immediate effect after they were found guilty following the action of their president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Ismail in sending a letter to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and which was copied to the International Olympics Committee (IOC) in his capacity as ASTAF deputy president on Feb 24.
PSM, however, have until June 3 to submit an appeal to ASTAF.
On May 5, Ismail, who is better known as ‘Tok Mat,’ was handed a 15-year ban from all sepak takraw activities starting from May 6 by the ASTAF Disciplinary Committee for offences related to the same matter.
To make matters worse, so far nine PSM affiliates have pulled out from the association. They are the Sarawak Sepak Takraw Association (PSS), the Negeri Sembilan Sepak Takraw Association (PESTANS), Perak Darul Ridzuan Sepak Takraw Association (PERSEDAR), Kelantan Sepak Takraw Association (Gastak), Johor Sepak Takraw Association (PSJ), Selangor Sepak Takraw Association (PSS), Kedah Sepak Takraw Association (Pestak), Terengganu Sepak Takraw Association (PSNT) and Federal Territory Sepak Takraw Association Putrajaya (PESTAP).
Meanwhile, Ibrahim said that, so far, his office had not received any new applications to set up a body for sepak takraw at the national level.
“If there is an application, we will see. We do not stop any party from applying to register an association. The Sports Commissioner can register (them) as long as the organisation promotes the development of sports.
"Usually, for the establishment of a sports body, there must be a sponsor committee (pro tem committee), prepare a constitution and so on, other than obtaining support (endorsement) from ASTAF and ISTAF (International Sepak Takraw Federation) to represent the sport in Malaysia," he said.
Ibrahim said the Sports Commissioner, as the regulatory body for sports development in the country, would continue to closely monitor and give advice to PSM and their affiliates. - Bernama. May 22, 2021
