KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation (Mastaf) will continue with plans to set up pro-tem associations in states not affiliated with the national body soon.
Its president Datuk Suhaili Abd Rahman said this was necessary as the time period given to state associations and affiliate members under the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM) to switch to Mastaf ended last Monday.
“In line with the invitation letter which expired on July 25, efforts to set up (associations) in every state not affiliated to Mastaf will proceed as planned soon.
“So, there is no longer a question of whether they (PSM) have 11 affiliate members or how many associate members,” said Suhaili, when contacted by Bernama in Bangkok, where he was watching the national squad’s participation in the 35th Thai King’s Cup World Sepak Takraw Championship.
For the quota of 16 affiliate members in Mastaf, he said it would comprise 13 state associations and three federal territories, while there is no limit on associate members. However, it would still be subject to criteria to be set, as Mastaf is focusing on quality over quantity.
Suhaili advised PSM to stop what he described as attempts to confuse sepak takraw fans and its own affiliate members on their actual status by playing on the sentiment of the number of delegates with the association.
“PSM’s position (as an umbrella body) is not viewed from the aspect of how many affiliate and associate members they have but in terms of international recognition, that is Istaf (International Sepaktakraw Federation) and Astaf (Asian Sepaktakraw Federation).
“PSM was stripped of its membership (from Istaf and Astaf ) last year. PJS (Sports Commissioner) also issued a statement giving an indication of PSM’s dissolution,” he said.
He said Mastaf was not interested in commenting on the participation of Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) as the latest associate member of PSM but stressed that the entity did not represent the state of Sarawak.
This development means PSM now has 11 affiliate members and five associate members.
Mastiff was formed through five associations - Federal Territory of Labuan Sepak Takraw Association (PSWPL), Selangor Sepak Takraw Association (PSS), Federal Territory of Putrajaya Sepak Takraw Association (Pestap), Perlis Sepak Takraw Association (PSTPs) and Sarawak Sepak Takraw Association (PSNS). – Bernama, July 28, 2022
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