KUALA LUMPUR − The development of sepak takraw and looking after the activities of players is far more important than the political problems of the association, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
With two sepak takraw entities present at the national level, he said the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) would discuss with the Sports Commissioner’s Office (PJS) to find the best solution.
“When something like this happens, we have to see which body gets higher recognition in Asia and the world.
“But in the end, what KBS and the government need to ensure is that the growth and development of the sport and activities for sepak takraw athletes, such as competitions, are looked after,” he told a press conference after KBS’ monthly gathering at the National Sports Institute today.
The national sepak takraw crisis began when the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (Astaf) did not recognise the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM) in May 2021.
It follows the actions of its then-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Ismail − in his capacity as Astaf deputy president − sending a letter to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on February 24 last year.
Ahmad − better known as “Tok Mat” − then resigned from his post in PSM last June, followed by several efforts and improvements made by the association in the hope of regaining Astaf membership.
However, Astaf earlier this month confirmed that it would not accept PSM as an affiliate member.
Following that, PJS allowed the setting up of a new entity known as the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Confederation (MSC) to gain the trust of Astaf and the International Sepaktakraw Federation (Istaf) as Malaysia’s representative at the international level.
Commenting further, Faizal said he had not met with the new leadership of PSM, who reportedly wanted to meet him. – Bernama, February 22, 2022
.jpg)
