Foul!

Senarai penuh pemenang anugerah SAM 2023

2024-06-09T16:23:00.002+08:00

Anugerah Persatuan Penulis-Penulis Sukan Malaysia (SAM) bukan sekadar meraikan hasil laporan-laporan media terbaik setiap tahun. Ianya juga merupakan medan untuk para pengamal media sukan Malaysia berjumpa antara satu sama lain, mengeratkan lagi silaturahim sesama kita.

Acara-acara sebegini juga merupakan "timely reminder" betapa pentingnya semangat persaudaraan dikalangan organisasi-organisasi and petugas-petugas media.

Malang sekali, saya tidak dapat hadir ke Hotel Seri Pacific, Kuala Lumpur pada malam Khamis lalu disebabkan hal yang tidak dapat dielakkan.

Namun, tahniah diucapkan kepada para pemenang anugerah SAM 2023. Harap kemenangan anda semua akan menyuntik semangat untuk terus melaporkan, dan memberi pandangan untuk kebaikan ekosistem sukan Malaysia.

Senarai pemenang:

1. ⁠Anugerah Siebel 2023 – Aida Adilah Mat, Mohd Firdaus Hashim, Amirul Fazli Zulkafli (Harian Metro)

2. ⁠Pengulas Popular SAM 2023 – Suzana Basri (Astro Arena; 79,789 undi)

3. ⁠Laporan Berita Terbaik Media Cetak – Fabian Mark Peter (NST)

4. ⁠Laporan Berita Terbaik Media Elektronik – Mohd Zulhelmi Zainal Azam, Muhd AlFathy Azlan (Astro Arena)

5. ⁠Ulasan Sukan Terbaik Media Cetak – T.Avineshwaran (The Star)

6. ⁠Ulasan Sukan Terbaik Media Elektronik – Lukman Md Salleh (Astro Arena)

7. ⁠Fotografi Sukan Terbaik – Mohd Izzul Farhan (Bernama)

8. ⁠Laporan Khas Terbaik – Aida Adilah Mat, Mohd Firdaus Hashim, Amirul Fazli Zulkafli (Harian Metro)

9. ⁠Anugerah Khas – Persatuan Sepak Takraw Malaysia

10. ⁠Anugerah Khas – Johan Jojo Ghazali (Muay Thai)

11. ⁠Atlet Terbaik 2023 – Nur Ain Nabilah/Aleena Ahmad Nawawi (boling padang)

12. ⁠Atlet Para Terbaik 2023 – Cheah Liek Hou (badminton)

13. Atlet Muda Terbaik – Ng Jing Xuen (golf)

14. Anugerah Tokoh Kepimpinan SAM 2023 – Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Melaka, Tun Mohd Ali Rustam

15. ⁠Anugerah Persatuan Dinamik – Kongres Tenpin Boling Malaysia

From 'Mr P' to 'Kemelut Dalaman BAM': Four chapters of 'mesej Whatsapp layang'

2023-12-01T17:48:00.008+08:00

Surat layang, or rather 'mesej Whatsapp (or some will pronounce as Wasup) layang'.

That was what I received this afternoon from a number that is not registered on my phone. The sender identified him/herself as "ahli yg memerhati tingkah laku BAM" (Badminton Association of Malaysia).

The four chapters were titled as:

'Siapa dia Tan Sri BAM "Mr P"'
Perletakan Jawatan Presiden BAM
'Siapa Tengku Zafrul'
Kemelut Dalaman BAM

There were many allegations to which the sender justified as not "fitnah" but "hakikat apa yg berlaku".

The four chapters highlights Mr P's "connection kuat", goes into why Tengku Zafrul was named as the incoming BAM president, and takes issue with the establishment of 'Yayasan Badminton Nasional' and Akademi Badminton Malaysia.

The writer (unsure if the sender is also the writer) also wrote that 'majority in the Council dalam BAM semua tak berani buat laporan sebab takut'.

Ironically, the Whatsapp messages had no name to them. Takut? Hmm ...

I've seen enough of poison pen letters and surat layang. I'd only take them seriously if there's a name attached to it, complete with evidence. Otherwise, such letters often result in bruised egos and legal letters, and do not contribute to the development of the sport.

I'm sure some (if not all) of BAM's council members have received the same messages I received. It's for them to "nilai" if there is any truth in what was written, and take the necessary steps, if required. After all, everything is minuted in the Council meetings. After all, there are bigger things about badminton (ie. Paris Olympics 2024 and Thomas Cup) to worry about.

Speaking about Tengku Zafrul, should a Cabinet minister head a national association? Read this October article: Posers over Tengku Zafrul’s gig as new BAM president

Some will say that Tengku Zafrul has really big shoes to fill. Hope I will be able to sit down with the Investment, Trade & Industry Minister to find out about his grand plans for Malaysian badminton.

Till then, have a smashing weekend.

Tickets for Kuala Lumpur Masters Malaysia Super 100 2023 now available

2023-10-11T17:08:00.003+08:00

Shuttlers from around the globe will be in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 31 to Nov 5 for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Tour Super 100 tournament, BERGAMOT Kuala Lumpur Masters Malaysia Super 100 2023.

The points earned during this Super 100 circuit will not only contribute to the qualification for the year-end BWF World Tour Finals but also play a crucial role in the Race to Paris Qualification.

Get ready for world-class badminton action featuring exceptional players, including our local heroes, at the Stadium Titiwangsa. Secure your tickets for this Super 100 tournament starting from today, available online at https://my.bookmyshow.com/.

KLBA President & BERGAMOT KL Masters Malaysia Super 100 2023 advisor, Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamard Yunoos expressed his gratitude, as he thanked the BA of Malaysia for its unwavering support and for entrusting Kuala Lumpur BA to host the tournament.

"My sincere appreciation goes to our main sponsor, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, for its pivotal role in ensuring the grand success of the Kuala Lumpur Masters. We look forward to an outstanding edition of this trailblazing Super 100 tournament," he said.

The spotlight will be on national champions Leong Jun Hao and K. Letshanaa, rising stars in men's doubles, Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and mixed doubles duo, Chan Peng Soon-Cheah Yee See. Malaysian fans are encouraged to come out in full support of their sporting heroes.

"The backing of Malaysian fans is crucial and will greatly inspire our players to strive for the title on home soil," added Jahaberdeen.

Among the international stars poised to dazzle at the tournament are South Korea's men's singles specialist, Jeon Hyeok Jin, India's Sai Praneeth, who clinched the bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships, Myanmar's talented women’s singles, Thet Htar Thuzar, and Thailand's prodigious 16-year-old phenom, Pitchamon Opatniput.

As an added attraction, fans can immerse themselves in the excitement of the outdoor carnival 'Malaysia Food Festival 2023,' held in conjunction with the tournament, beginning from the quarterfinals on Nov 3.

This carnival will celebrate Malaysian culture, tourism, and sports as its main pillars, showcasing what Malaysians love and take pride in.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the cream of the badminton crop in action.

The Kuala Lumpur Masters is a recent addition to the BWF World Tour Super 100 calendar and boasts a total prize pool of USD100,000.

Dokumentari Safee Sali “SEPULUH” penghormatan kepada kerjayanya sebagai legenda bola sepak

2023-10-10T18:58:00.007+08:00

Untuk siaran segera

Buat peminat sukan negara dan pecinta wayang inilah masa yang dinanti-nantikan apabila dokumentari siri bertajuk SEPULUH akan disiarkan di Astro Arena (Saluran 801) setiap hari Jumaat pada jam 9.00 malam, bermula 24 November 2023 nanti.

Enam siri dokumentari yang dihasilkan ini nanti akan membawa anda menyusuri perjalanan suka duka, jatuh bangun yang ditempuhi Safee dalam kerjayanya sebagai pemain bola sepak selama hampir dua dekad. Selain temubual bersama watak-watak yang memainkan peranan penting dalam kehidupan bekas bintang bola sepak ini terdapat juga rakaman dan momen-momen menarik yang tidak pernah dilihat dalam meneroka usahanya yang tidak henti untuk mencapai kejayaan.

Mengulas mengenai dokumentari ini, Safee berkata ini adalah bukti bahawa setiap kerja keras dan keazaman yang tinggi akan membuatkan segala impian menjadi kenyataan.

"Saya berharap kisah perjalanan kehidupan saya ini akan menjadi satu cerita yang akan memberi inspirasi dan menambat hati semua orang bukan hanya untuk peminat sukan sahaja," katanya.

Penonton akan menyaksikan perjalanan awal Safee yang baru mula berkecimpung dalam arena bola sepak sehingga menjadi bintang dan diangkat sebagai ikon negara termasuk perjuangannya membantu skuad Harimau Malaya memenangi kejuaraan tunggal di Piala AFF pada tahun 2010.

Is there a bigger plot in E. Elavarasan's resignation?

2023-09-19T07:54:00.000+08:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Malaysia has qualified for the Under -23 Asian Cup football tournament in Doha, Qatar next year under the supervision of head coach, E. Elavarasan. Malaysia qualified previously in 2018 and 2022.

This is an achievement by all means, given the fact that Elavarasan only had around seven months to mould the team into a winning combination.

Elavarasan, who is also the assistant to senior national team coach Kim Pan-gon, has a very successful coaching journey in the Malaysian Super League. He has a 'midas touch' and has continuously achieved great success with many teams that he had managed in the Malaysian league.

He has a knack of leading under-performing teams to get promotion to a higher league and is known to be a no-nonsense coach and disciplinarian on the field.

As the head coach of the U-23 national squad, his squad won the Merlion Cup in Singapore, reached the semi-finals of the AFF U-23 Cup in in Rayong and recently achieved their target to qualify for the U-23 Asian Cup in Doha.

The news (yesterday) that Elavarasan had resigned as the head coach of the U-23 national football team is shocking.

Questions arise as to why the sudden decision after successfully guiding the team to qualify for the Under-23 Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar?

Just a few days ago, out of nowhere, it appeared in the media that the Malaysian football fans did not want Elavarasan to continue as the head coach of the U-23 squad. It is unprecedented anywhere in the world that the views of one or two fans was given such prominence in many local media reporting.

And to add insult to the situation, since when did the views of a few fans convince the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to accept the resignation of Elavarasan?

Are there no expertise or personality at FAM to convince Elavarasan to stay on or re-think his decision?

Why the hurry in announcing this resignation when a little bit more time would have given some hope for a change of mind.

The coincidences and collaborations in this plot cannot be ignored!

Is Elavarasan the victim of a plot by influential people behind the corridors of powers at FAM?

Why was Elavarasan appointed to lead the national U-23 squad in the first place? Was the evaluation on appointing Elavarasan flawed from the beginning?

We continue to 'pride' in having a history of such decisions made over and over again that has proven to be detrimental to the sports we all love so much.

Elavarasan had achieved the set target and should be retained for continuity. He should be appraised after the U-23 Asian Games in 2024.

His resignation should be rejected by FAM. Making abrupt decisions is surely not going to help improve the standard of football in Malaysia.

Thomas Samuel

Selayang

Youth and Sports Ministry, MTDC join forces to empower young Malaysians

2023-09-18T17:10:00.002+08:00

PRESS RELEASE

The Youth and Sports Ministry of Malaysia and the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at UPM-MTDC Technology Centre III in Serdang today.

The partnership is aimed at advancing the nation's youth into the domains of Industry 4.0 and technopreneurship, marks a significant milestone in the government's commitment to foster youth development and drive technological innovation.

This MoU is a continuation from the previous successful collaboration between the ministry and MTDC where a memorandum of cooperation was signed between both parties for the Transformation Of Technical, Vocational Education (TVET) programmes, in March this year at Kuala Lumpur Industrial Training Institute.

This new partnership, MTDC will be supporting the ministry with advisory services and support, as well as the implementation of the teaching factory in educational deliveries to university students under the TVET programmes.

The advisory services and support provided will encompass accreditation, competency development, knowledge transfer, equipment upgrading, capacity-building programs, and the promotion of education and professional training in technology-related fields.

Furthermore, MTDC will also play a crucial role in the implementation of the Teaching Factory. This initiative includes upgrading of facilities and teaching equipments to provide a more conducive learning environment for students.

Mohammad Hazani Hassan, CEO of MTDC, had during the MoU ceremony said: “By working hand-in hand with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Institusi Latihan Kemahiran Belia dan Sukan (ILKBS), it gives us an opportunity to create a vibrant ecosystem that empowers the youth and accelerates technological advancements in Malaysia. We aspire to create pool of competent TVET talents for high paying jobs in deeptech and i.40 industry.”

He also highlighted the significance of the partnership in promoting networking opportunities between MTDC and its ecosystem companies with ILKBS.

Shahrul Affendi Baharudin, Director General of Youth Skills Development Division, at the Youth and Sports Ministry added: "Empowering our youth with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age is a top priority for the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Our collaboration with MTDC is a testament to our commitment to providing young Malaysians with the tools and opportunities to thrive in Industry 4.0. Ensuring that our youth are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the digital era stands as a paramount objective for the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Our partnership with MTDC is a testament to our dedication to furnishing young Malaysians with the resources and prospects needed to prosper in the era of Industry 4.0. This collaboration is expected to provide added value to students and boost the employability of our graduates."

The ministry and MTDC are committed to equipping young Malaysians with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital age.

Pelepasan cukai tambahan untuk pembelian alatan sukan, sewaan fasiliti sukan antara cadangan untuk Bajet 2024

2023-09-14T11:18:00.000+08:00

Berikut merupakan antara cadangan-cadangan Kementerian Belia dan Sukan untuk Bajet 2024 yang akan dibentangkan bulan hadapan.

1. Pengasingan sukan daripada kategori gaya hidup

2. Meneruskan dan memperluaskan inisiatif pelepasan cukai tambahan bagi aktiviti sukan berdasarkan senarai baharu 103 sukan berkuatkuasa Mac 2023 seperti berikut:

3. Pelepasan cukai tambahan sebanyak RM5,000 khusus berkaitan dengan aktiviti sukan yang dibelanjakan oleh individu bagi:

• pembelian peralatan sukan untuk aktiviti sukan mengikut Akta Pembangunan Sukan 1997.

• bayaran sewaan atau fi kemasukan ke mana-mana fasiliti sukan.

• bayaran fi pendaftaran bagi penyertaan pertandingan sukan yang diluluskan di bawah Akta Pembangunan Sukan 1997.

• Bayaran jurulatih/latihan/kelas untuk aktiviti sukan mengikut Akta Pembangunan Sukan 1997.

Justifikasi:

Impak kepada negara

1. Pembudayaan gaya hidup sihat dan aktif melalui aktiviti bersukan kepada semua peringkat sebagai pelaburan kepada negara bagi mengurangkan beban tanggungan kos perubatan masa hadapan.

2. Menggalakkan penuaan aktif dalam situasi negara menghampiri status Ageing Nation.

3. Memastikan ibu bapa terus berbelanja untuk kelas/latihan sukan anak mereka walaupun dengan kos hidup yang meningkat. Ini adalah penting untuk pembudayaan gaya hidup sihat dan juga pembangunan bakat negara.

4. Mengalakkan industri sukan yang terdiri daripada jurulatih sukan/ jurulatih kecergasan/gimnasium, serta memastikan demand berterusan untuk jurulatih sekaligus memberi peluang pekerjaan kepada bekas atlet

Kos kelas/latihan adalah lebih tinggi daripada peralatan

1. Pelepasan cukai untuk pembelian peralatan sukan perlu dilengkapi dengan pelepasan cukai untuk kos aktiviti sukan, terutamanya latihan dan kelas sukan/kecergasan.

2. Laporan Tinjauan Perbelanjaan Isi Rumah 2019 menunjukkan perbelanjaan bulanan isi rumah untuk aktiviti sukan dan rekreasi (0.21%) adalah lebih daripada peralatan sukan (0.05%).

3. Kos Peralatan sukan renang (baju renang & goggles) hanya sekitar RM150 berbanding kos kelas renang RM200 – RM300 (4 sesi) di Lembah Klang.

4. Kos uniform sukan tempur hanya sekitar RM60 satu set, berbanding dengan kos latihan di sekolah sekitar RM60 sebulan.

5. Hanya beberapa sukan spesifikasi tinggi (memanah, ekuestrian, menembak etc) memerlukan kos signifikan untuk peralatan. Manakala sukan-sukan lain yang banyak diceburi kanak-kanak dan orang awam memerlukan kos lebih tinggi untuk kelas/latihan/ jurulatih.

Rakyat Malaysia kurang aktif

1. Berdasarkan dapatan Indeks Budaya Sukan Malaysia 2022 (IBSM’22), 52% rakyat Malaysia tidak terlibat dalam apa-apa aktiviti sukan.

2. Satu daripada empat orang dewasa di Malaysia tidak mengamalkan gaya hidup aktif. Golongan paling kurang aktif adalah wanita (28%), pelajar (39%) dan warga emas (59%); Sumber: National Health & Morbidity Survey, 2019).

3. Data Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia menunjukkan empat daripada lima remaja di negara ini tidak aktif secara fizikal. (Sumber: Kenyataan YB Menteri Kesihatan bertarikh 6 Julai 2023)

Kos kepada negara apabila rakyat tidak aktif

1. Lebih RM300 bilion daripada keseluruhan hasil Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) digunakan untuk menampung kos penyakit tidak berjangkit (NCD) rakyat Malaysia. (Sumber: Kenyataan YB Menteri Kesihatan bertarikh 14 Julai 2023)

2. Anggaran kos beban penyakit kardiovaskular, diabetes dan kanser di Malaysia adalah antara RM100.8 bilion hingga RM302.4 bilion. (Sumber: Kenyataan YB Menteri Kesihatan bertarikh 14 Julai 2023)

3. Terdapat peningkatan dalam penyakit tidak berjangkit (NCD) dengan 1.7 juta penduduk di Malaysia menghidapi diabetis, darah tinggi dan kolesterol tinggi. (Sumber: National Health & Morbidity Survey, 2019).

4. 73% kematian di negara ini disebabkan oleh penyakit tidak berjangkit (NCD) yang berkait rapat dengan gaya hidup tidak sihat. (Sumber: Kenyataan YB Timbalan Menteri Kesihatan bertarikh 8 September 2023)

5. Satu daripada dua orang dewasa di Malaysia sama ada mempunyai berat badan berlebihan atau obes (Sumber: National Health & Morbidity Survey, 2019).

Senarai penuh pemenang Anugerah SAM-100Plus 2022

2023-08-30T13:56:00.001+08:00

ANUGERAH SIEBEL

Mohd Zulhelmi Zainal Alam & Mohd Nor Syafiq Safian (Astro Arena)

LAPORAN BERITA TERBAIK (MEDIA CETAK)

Pemenang : Mohd Firdaus Mohd Hashim

Agensi : Harian Metro

Tajuk : Datuk Seri Putar Alam

LAPORAN BERITA TERBAIK (MEDIA ELEKTRONIK)

Pemenang : Hasnida Hanim Ahmad Kamil

Agensi : TV3

Tajuk : False Start Musnahkan Impian Azeem

ULASAN BERITA TERBAIK (MEDIA CETAK)

Pemenang : Mohd Saipul Adil Mohamad

Agensi : Harian Metro

Tajuk : Jangan Sampai Berulang

ULASAN BERITA TERBAIK (MEDIA ELEKTRONIK)

Pemenang : Nur Amira Ibrahim/Abdul Rahman Zulhairy

Agensi : MFL

Tajuk : P. Rajes Tetap Dikenang

LAPORAN KHAS SUKAN TERBAIK (TERBUKA)

Pemenang : Mohd Zulhelmi Zainal Alam/ Nor Syafiq Safian

Agensi : Astro Arena

Tajuk : AAORCA

FOTOGRAFI SUKAN TERBAIK

Pemenang : Amir Khalid

Agensi : Utusan Malaysia

ANUGERAH PENGULAS SUKAN POPULAR 2022

Pemenang : Parthiban 'OTG' Petchayappen (pengulas e-sukan)

ANUGERAH ATLET TERBAIK 2022

Pemenang : Datuk Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah (Bina Badan)

ANUGERAH ATLET PARA TERBAIK 2022

Pemenang : Cheah Liek Hou (Badminton)

ANUGERAH KHAS 100PLUS

Pemenang : Muhammad Azeem Fahmi (Olahraga)

ANUGERAH ATLET MUDA TERBAIK 2022

Pemenang : Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli (Permotoran)

ANUGERAH TOKOH KEPIMPINAN SUKAN

Pemenang : Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria

ANUGERAH PERSATUAN DINAMIK 2022

Pemenang : Persekutuan Karate Malaysia (MAKAF)

Norza Zakaria tokoh kepimpinan sukan Anugerah SAM-100Plus 2022

2023-08-27T14:06:00.002+08:00

Siaran media

Presiden Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria dipilih sebagai penerima Anugerah Tokoh Kepimpinan Sukan pada Majlis Anugerah Persatuan Penulis-Penulis Sukan Malaysia (SAM)-100PLUS 2022.

“Tan Sri Norza menunjukkan ketegasan yang jelas terhadap isu-isu berkaitan pentadbiran dan pengurusan badan sukan kebangsaan. Bakat kepimpinan yang dimiliki beliau tidak dapat disangkal lagi.

“Kami berharap dengan anugerah ini, akan memberikan motivasi kepada Tan Sri Norza untuk terus berusaha memartabatkan badan sukan di negara ini,” kata Naib Presiden SAM, Hazreen Mubarak.

Norza menggalas jawatan Presiden Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) bermula 2017 menggantikan Tan Sri Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Ariff yang berundur kerana faktor kesihatan.

Pencapaian terbaik beliau bersama BAM adalah menamatkan penantian Malaysia untuk muncul juara di Kejohanan Dunia 2022 menerusi beregu lelaki, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik selain tiga pingat perak Sukan Olimpik Rio de Janeiro, Brazil pada 2016 menerusi Datuk Lee Chong Wei (perseorangan lelaki), Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong (beregu lelaki) dan Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying (beregu campuran).

Inisiatif beliau memperkenalkan indeks petunjuk prestasi utama (KPI) dan penilaian berdasarkan merit ke atas pemain senior, menyaksikan kemunculan bakat muda seperti Lee Zii Jia, Aaron-Wooi Yik dan M. Thinaah-Pearly Tan.

Beliau juga memperkenalkan Liga Junior AirAsia-BAM yang menyaksikan penyertaan tahunan lebih 4,000 pelajar dari 280 buah sekolah.

Pada 2018, beliau dilantik Presiden Majlis Olimpik Malaysia (MOM) menggantikan Tunku Tan Sri Imran Jaafar dan turut memegang jawatan Presiden Majlis Sukan Komanwel Malaysia serta pernah menggalas jawatan Pengerusi Institut Sukan Negara (ISN). Beliau turut menjawat jawatan Presiden Persatuan Polo Diraja Malaysia dan Presiden Kelab Polo Putra.

Tokoh sukan itu juga mengetuai kontinjen Malaysia membawa pulang 62 pingat emas Sukan SEA 2015 di Singapura, iaitu pencapaian terbesar Malaysia dalam temasya dwitahunan itu di luar Malaysia.

Menerajui MOM, Norza memperkenalkan pelbagai inisiatif antaranya kriteria pemilihan MOM yang telus untuk atlet ke temasya sukan, penjanaan semula Suruhanjaya Atlet MOM (AC) termasuk pemberian geran dan penyertaan wakil AC dalam mesyuarat Lembaga Eksekutif MOM, menyemak dan merombak perlembagaan MOM serta penciptaan pangkalan data komprehensif mengandungi maklumat atlet dan pegawai yang telah menyertai temasya sukan.

Kepimpinan Norza tidak terhad di peringkat kebangsaan sahaja, malah turut membuka mata ‘pihak luar’ apabila diangkat sebagai Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Sukan untuk semua Majlis Olimpik Asia (OCA) selain dipilih sebagai Presiden Kehormat Badminton Asia (BAC) dan kedua dua jawatan itu bagi penggal 2023 hingga 2027.

Ia satu penghargaan buat BAM memandangkan Norza menjadi individu pertama dari Malaysia untuk mengisi kerusi tersebut dan dia akan melaksanakan tugas itu sehingga 2027.

Pelantikan Norza sebagai Presiden Kehormat Badminton Asia juga berdasarkan pengalaman yang dimiliki dalam urus tadbir persatuan badminton, Fasal 13.2 yang mempunyai pengetahuan selain mencapai status tertentu supaya mampu memberikan sokongan dan impak positif kepada badan induk badminton Asia.

Hakim Danish atlet muda terbaik, MAKAF diiktiraf persatuan sukan dinamik anugerah SAM-100PLUS 2022

2023-08-24T10:55:00.001+08:00

SIARAN MEDIA

Pelumba muda negara Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli dipilih oleh Persatuan Penulis-Penulis Sukan Malaysia (SAM) sebagai penerima Anugerah Atlet Muda Terbaik Anugerah SAM-100Plus 2022.

Pemilihannya adalah berdasarkan aksi yang konsisten dalam setiap pertandingan yang disertai pelumba motosikal berusia 16 tahun itu sepanjang tahun 2022.

Naib Presiden SAM Hazreen Mubarak berkata kejayaan Muhammad Hakim Danish bergelar juara keseluruhan perlumbaan Asia Talent Cup (ATC) 2022 di Mandalika Street Circuit di Lombok Indonesia menjadi faktor utama pemilihan sebagai penerima anugerah ini.

Kejayaan itu juga menyaksikan Muhammad Hakim Danish muncul rakyat Malaysia pertama dan pelumba kedua dari Asia Tenggara bergelar juara keseluruhan sejak saingan perlumbaan itu diperkenalkan pada tahun 2014.

Pelumba berusia 16 tahun itu untuk mengesahkan kejuaraannya sejurus unggul mengumpul keseluruhan 187 mata untuk mengatasi pelumba Jepun, Shinya Ezawa yang mengutip 177 mata.

“Prestasi membanggakan pada ATC 2022 menjadi faktor utama kepada pemilihannya untuk menerima Anugerah Atlet Muda Terbaik Anugerah SAM-100Plus 2022.

“Dalam usia yang masih muda, Hakim Danish mempunyai masa yang panjang untuk terus menyerlah sekali gus mengembalikan kegemilangan Malaysia dalam sukan permotoran dunia.

“Kami di SAM berharap kecemerlangan yang ditonjolkan akan menjadi inspirasi kepada pelumba muda lain untuk bekerja lebih keras demi mengharumkan nama Malaysia,” katanya.

Muhammad Hakim Danish akan menerima anugerah berkenaan pada majlis gilang-gemilang yang akan diadakan di Hotel Sunway Resort, Petaling Jaya pada 29 Ogos ini.

Menteri Belia dan Sukan Hannah Yeoh dijadual hadir pada majlis tersebut.

Tiada siapa menyangka, pelumba kelahiran Terengganu yang menceburi sukan permotoran ‘pocket bike’ sejak berusia tujuh tahun itu, melalui episod sukar sebelum mengukir nama sebagai antara pelumba meningkat naik di Malaysia.

Kejayaan yang diraih Muhammad Hakim Danish tidak mudah kerana bapanya yang menjana pendapatan hasil pekerjaan sebagai mekanik motosikal pernah dihimpit masalah kewangan demi memastikan anaknya kekal memburu impian.

Dengan motosikal hasil pemberian rakan bapanya Muhammad Hakim Danish terus melakar kemenangan demi kemenangan setiap kali turun berlumba yang mendorong bapanya mencuba nasib pada sesi ujian untuk menyertai pasukan ZK Racing sebelum muncul juara dalam saingan SIC MiniGP pada 2020.

Faktor kredibiliti kepimpinan, kejayaan yang diraih dan kegigihan mempertingkatkan mutu sukan karate memboleh Persekutuan Karate Malaysia (MAKAF) dipilih sebagai penerima Anugerah Persatuan Sukan Dinamik, Anugerah Persatuan Penulis-Penulis Sukan Malaysia (SAM) -100Plus 2022.

MAKAF juga baru-baru ini menjadi menerusi Penilaian Penarafan Bintang 2022 oleh Pejabat Pesuruhjaya Sukan.

Penarafan bintang yang diadakan dua tahun sekali itu bertujuan melihat sejauh mana pencapaian badan sukan kebangsaan dalam aspek tadbir urus selaras keperluan Akta Pembangunan Sukan 1997 di samping menjadi rujukan kepada Kementerian Belia dan Sukan, Majlis Sukan Negara dan Majlis Olimpik Malaysia dalam aspek pembangunan sukan.

“Untuk tahun ini kita merasakan sememangnya MAKAF sekali lagi layak untuk menerima Anugerah Persatuan Sukan Dinamik berdasarkan pencapaian atlet serta pengurusan persatuan dan atlet yang baik.

“Di samping itu juga, atlet-atlet karate tidak pernah menghampakan kem sukan negara dengan pencapaian yang membanggakan,” kata Hazreen.

MAKAF pernah menerima Anugerah Persatuan Sukan Dinamik pada Anugerah SAM-100Plus 2014.

Sejak kepimpinan terdahulu seperti Dr Leong Kwok Onn, Datuk Tan Tiong Hong, Allahyarham Tan Sri Megat Junid Megat Ayob, Datuk Henry Chin, Datuk Zulkifli Mat Nor, Tun Mohd Ali Rustam sehingga kepimpinan sekarang Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad, MAKAF terus melebarkan sayapnya.

Lebih membanggakan Tun Mohd Ali Rustam yang ketika itu menjawat jawatan Presiden MAKAF turut dipilih sebagai Ahli Jawatankuasa Eksekutif Persekutuan Karate Dunia (WKF) bagi penggal 2022-2026 ketika Kongres WKF di Konya, Turkiye, Oktober tahun lepas.

Selain atletnya meraih kejayaan dalam mana-mana kejohanan baik di rantau Asia mahupun peringkat dunia, MAKAF turut mempamerkan kredibilitinya dalam menganjurkan klinik kejurulatihan dan juga program pencarian bakat.

Kem karate mencipta reputasi tersendiri selepas muncul sebagai antara 'lubuk emas' buat kontinjen negara pada temasya Sukan Universiti ASEAN (AUG) 2022 di Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.

Membuka kempen di Kampus Ban Yang Noi tiga pingat emas diperoleh skuad negara pada hari pertama menerusi acara kata berpasukan lelaki, C. Shahmalarani (kumite wanita bawah 50 kilogram) dan P Madhuri (kumite wanita -55kg).

Bersambung hari kedua, kem karate negara menambah tiga lagi pingat emas menerusi Siti Nur Azwani Nor Azli (kumite wanita -61kg), H. Sureeya Sankar (kumite lelaki -67kg) dan A. Denisroy (kumite lelaki atas 84kg).

Pencapaian itu cukup untuk memperbaiki pencapaian edisi 2018 di Myanmar yang menyaksikan kem karate ketika itu membawa pulang empat pingat emas, tiga perak dan empat pingat gangsa.

Pada temasya Sukan SEA Vietnam, skuad karate menamatkan kempen dengan empat emas dan enam gangsa dengan petanda positif ditunjukkan dalam acara kumite yang dibarisi atlet senior dan juga muka baharu.

Muka baharu seperti Sureeya dan Shahmalarani melakar penampilan sulung membanggakan apabila mengungguli kategori bawah 67 kilogram (kg) lelaki dan kategori bawah 50kg wanita.

Atlet berpengalaman yang baru pulih daripada pembedahan lutut, R. Sharmendran menghadiahkan emas ketiga menerusi acara bawah 75kg lelaki.

Pasukan kumite lelaki yang dibarisi Sharmendran, Sureeya, S. Prem Kumar, S. Geerijaieswaran, Arif Afifuddin Ab Malik, V. Kueggan dan G. Katish menghadiahkan emas ke-36 buat negara apabila menewaskan Indonesia 3-0 di final.

Lebih bermakna, bukan sahaja menghadiahkan pingat emas ke-36 kepada kontinjen negara malah skuad karate turut menamatkan kemarau 29 tahun kilauan emas dalam acara kumite berpasukan lelaki pada temasya Sukan SEA.

Pada majlis Anugerah SAM-100Plus 2022, selain Anugerah Atlet Muda Terbaik dan Persatuan Sukan Dinamik, turut disediakan adalah Anugerah Atlet Terbaik, Anugerah Atlet Para Terbaik, Anugerah Persatuan Sukan Dinamik dan Anugerah Khas.

Selain mengiktiraf atlet yang cemerlang serta mengharumkan nama Malaysia sepanjang tahun 2022, turut dirai pada majlis Anugerah SAM-100PLUS adalah wartawan sukan yang berpeluang memenangi hadiah wang tunai keseluruhan lebih RM50,000.

Anugerah dibahagi kepada enam kategori;– Laporan Berita Terbaik (Media Cetak), Laporan Berita Terbaik (Media Elektronik), Ulasan Berita Terbaik (Media Cetak), Ulasan Berita Terbaik (Media Elektronik), Laporan Khas Terbaik (Terbuka) dan Fotografi Sukan Terbaik.

Pemenang terbaik keseluruhan untuk kategori kewartawanan sukan akan dinobatkan sebagai penerima Anugerah Siebel dengan hadiah wang tunai RM RM7,000 beserta trofi.

Untuk edisi kali ini, SAM memperkenalkan Anugerah Pengulas Sukan Popular dengan enam calon telah dikenal pasti hasil perbincangan bersama dengan pihak berkaitan dan pemenang akan ditentukan menerusi undian orang ramai.

Team ISN juara Kejohanan Tenpin Boling SAM-Yakeb

2023-02-19T16:14:00.003+08:00

SIARAN AKHBAR

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 Februari 2023: Penganjuran Kejohanan Tenpin Boling Persatuan Penulis-Penulis Sukan Malaysia (SAM)-Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan (Yakeb) 2023 berlangsung meriah dengan penyertaan seramai 108 peserta daripada 27 pasukan.

Presiden SAM, Norismadi Abdul Manap berkata, kejohanan itu berjaya mencapai objektif penganjuran untuk mengumpulkan dan mengeratkan silaturrahim antara pengamal-pengamal media sukan di Malaysia.

"Tujuan penganjuran kejohanan ini lebih kepada berkumpul dan melakukan aktiviti bersama semua media sukan dan ahli-ahli SAM.

"Kejohanan ini juga diharapkan dapat mengukuhkan kerjasama yang baik antara pengamal media dengan Yakeb. Peranan media amat penting untuk membantu menyalurkan maklumat kepada umum," katanya.

Sementara itu, Pengerusi Yakeb, Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed berharap kejohanan tersebut dapat menjadi titik permulaan kepada lebih banyak kerjasama antara SAM dengan pihaknya pada masa depan.

"Saya terharu melihat sambutan diberikan oleh media-media dan juga ahli-ahli SAM. KBS (Kementerian Belia dan Sukan), ISN (Institut Sukan Negara) serta penaja-penaja begitu meyakinkan dan menggalakkan.

"Yakeb dan SAM seperti aur dan tebing, saling membantu memberikan maklumat. Saya harap penganjuran ini mengeratkan lagi hubungan antara Yakeb dan SAM untuk kita anjurkan program seperti ini setiap tahun," jelasnya.

Juara kejohanan menjadi milik Team ISN yang diwakili Mohd Redzuan Mohd Zol, Mohd Rafi Hasim, Razif Sazali dan Asnidar Nor Abd. Rahim dengan 1,049 jatuhan pin keseluruhan.

Pasukan Gebu's MSN diwakili Mohd Yazid Shoib, Nurul Ain Othman, Syazana Aqilah Lokman dan Siti Sapinah Hussein muncul naib juara dengan 1,026 jatuhan pin.

Tempat ketiga pula menjadi milik Star Pixs yang dibarisi Ahmad Izzrafiq Alias, Faihan Ghani, Kamarul Ariffin dan Rozaidah Hamid selepas berjaya melakukan 1,008 jatuhan pin.

Of Tengku Zafrul, Zahid and 'Zzz' ...

2022-12-03T18:46:00.003+08:00

Rocky Bru started his blog post with these words:

"I don't mean to be rude, my zzz refers to the three Zs: Zahid Hamidi, Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Zambry Kadir. (Rafidah Aziz got the first two Zs but missed out on the third in Why Zahid, Why Zafrul?) in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's newly-formed Cabinet."

Read Anwar's Cabinet: zzz ...

I was attending the Methodist Boys School Sentul (MBSS) Old Boys' Association's 62nd anniversary dinner last night when Anwar named his Cabinet.

The reaction among my former school mates - those who were my classmates and my seniors - were:

"Tengku Zafrul masuk Kabinet?"

"Zahid Hamidi is the deputy prime minister?

"It's a joke. Zzzz ..."

Thank God Tan Sri Azman Hashim, the AmBank big boss who is also a former MBSS student, drowned the conversations as he took the centrestage at the HSH Convention Centre Sentul, in Kuala Lumpur, singing some 10 songs.

Boy, that man can really sing! Or perhaps he was just drowning his sorrows after looking at the Cabinet list. Well we will never know.

So back to Tengku Zafrul, the man who once served CIMB, loves playing squash, cycles quite a bit and seemed awkward helping people based on the manner in which he threw bread to those trapped during the floods in Shah Alam.

"Tengku Zafrul kable kuat, bro. Kable punya pasal lah, bro. Kalau nak letak kluster kalah, baik letak KJ daripada Zafrul."

Later, a proud Pakatan Harapan member, who campaigned for Fahmi Fazil in Lembah Pantai, said: "Letak Nga tu ibarat bola tanggung, bro. Confirm PN (Perikatan Nasional) akan libas, bro."

I sense he is not a fan of DAP's Nga Kor Ming.

As this conversation was happening, Batu MP P. Prabakaran walked past us. Oh yes, Prabakaran was at the event to say a few words. He gave RM10,000 to the OBA but us boys were too engrossed with catching up then to hear what the former La Salle Sentul student had to say. (Note that the intense rivalry between MBSS and La Salle remains till this very day).

There were many more comments. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's appointed goes without saying. It was mocked left, right and centre - and it became good ammo for critics of PH to mock the coaliation supporters.

Zambry Abd Kadir being Foreign Affairs Minister?

"He lost (in GE15). What (expletives) is he doing in the Cabinet?" asked another old friend.

To which I replied: "At least the British (I think) accent will come in handy."

"Well,. his Datuk Seri DiRaja doesn't make him royalty ..."

Hannah Yeoh being named Youth and Sports Minister came as a surprise. Someone texted me saying: "Mati lah." I only realised the message later in the night and didn't bother replying.

Let's see what she does first, and that too will pretty much depend on how long this government lasts.

And Fahmi as Digital Communications Minister aka the government's mouthpiece - well I truly hope he will NOT emulate Salleh Said Keruak and Abdul Rahman Dahlan who used to bore newsrooms with their "must carry" statements, defending their then beloved boss, Najib Razak.

It didn't work after all.

Last but not least, many are still trying to decipher what Gobind Sigh Deo, the DAP man who created history by winning the Damansara Parliamentary seat with 142,875 votes in GE15, had meant in his Facebook posting.

He revealed he was offered a Cabinet post by Anwar but said: "However, after considering the matter, I informed him that I was unable to do so and that I would focus on my role as an MP and assist the government in all ways that I can moving ahead."

Unable to do so? Why? Too much of work in the office? Or can't get himself to attending Cabinet meetings with the likes of those who are facing court charges and losers in GE15?

Had Gobind said yes, would there have been two Indian representatives in the Cabinet instead of just one. Or did Anwar only have one post set aside for the community - often dubbed as the "kingmaker" during elections. Isn't it ironic?

Oh well, I'm not going to let this spoil what's left of my Saturday. To my dear brothers, it was great meeting up with you.

Ora et Labora!

'Dr M real winner', 'Asal bukan Anwar', 'No more concerts in Malaysia?'

2022-11-20T19:33:00.000+08:00

"The real winner is Atok (Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad), lah."

"He may have lost Langkawi, but he has pretty much killed Umno and BN."

My phone has been buzzing throughout the day with many sharing their views. But most of them start the conversation with a common question - so will be PM10?

The 15th General Election in Malaysia on Nov 19 resulted in a hung parliament. It is an unprecedented moment in the nation's history.

The battle to be the next prime minister is between Pakatan Harapan's Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Perikatan Nasional's Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Anwar is eager to fulfill his ambition of being PM. This is pretty much his last kopek.

Muhyiddin is adamant of reclaiming the top spot in Putrajaya following his brief (17 months) stint in office (between 2020 and 2021).

"Dr M's move of splitting the Malay votes contributed to Perikatan Nasional making an impression in GE15."

But there were those who insisted that PH, having the most number of parliament seats (winning 82 out of the 220 contested), should be the government of the day. Perikatan Nasional trails close behind with 73 seats.

However, the 82 seats won by PH is still short of the simple majority of 111.

"That's why I said Atok has is the real champion. Because PN is the new BN and will work with GPS to form the new government. Asal bukan Anwar, bro. The Malays can't accept Anwar as PM," I was told.

There are also Malays who are finding it difficult accepting the possibility of Pas playing a dominant role in Putrajaya.

"Aiyoh, Blackpink concert next year. How lah?" was another question I got when discussing the possibility that Perikatan could lead the new government.

This is clearly in reference to Pas' youth recent call to cancel international concerts in Malaysia.

Some also took issue with Anwar and Muhyiddin's press conference early this morning.

"Both claim got numbers but didn't specify who is on their side. Again we are hearing the 'I have the numbers' talk."

Things don't look good in Umno as key leaders seem undecided if the party should strike a partnership with Pakatan Harapan or Perikatan Nasional.

Umno members, including its young star Shahril Hamdan (who also lost) are asking Ahmad Zahid to leave. MCA and MIC leaders are also pressuring Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to quit as BN chairman.

MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, in a statement, said MCA had lost confidence in Ahmad Zahid and urged him to give way to someone new to lead BN. MIC Wanita chief Mohana Muniandy also said the same.

Ironically, both Chong and Mohana lost in GE15. MIC's president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran was also defeated in the general election. It remains to be seen if they will walk the talk and quit as well.

Here's what one person said about MCA's statement: "Irrelevant. If Ahmad Zahid sticks around, he might as well go and work with Pakatan (Harapan) and DAP."

Then there was also this remark by a senior politician: "The Chinese are wasting their bullets on Pakatan and weakening their representation in the government by killing off MCA."

Keep those phone calls coming!

'Coachless' Lim Kok Leong becomes Malaysia's first ever world amateur snooker champion

2022-11-12T07:52:00.003+08:00

Malaysia Snooker and Billiards Federation president Melvin Chia had late last night informed me about Lim Kok Leong's (main picture) historic win at the World Amateur Snooker Championship in Antalya, Turkey.

Lim defeated Amir Sarkhosh, the former Asian Champion from Iran, 5-0.

My first question to Melvin was: "So was he there alone, or with a coach?"

Melvin replied: "Where got money for full time coach lah. Sam Chong is only hired on an ad hoc basis."

Melvin was referring to the legendary Sam Chong, who coached the Malaysian side during the a series of world events held in Pandan Indah, Kuala Lumpur recently.

So who was in Turkey?

The cue artists who represented Malaysia were Lim, Moh Keen Hoo and Chooi Yew Wah. Their team manager was Iskandar Perwira Putra while another Malaysian was there as a referee.

The best ever achievement by a Malaysian before this year's edition was reaching the quarter finals.

Not bad for a sport that doesn't enjoy much spotlight, unlike football.

And as I tweeted last night, caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob should be giving sports like snooker allocation instead of football or for building a drag strip.

Something for Ismail Sabri to seriously consider, should he return to Putrajaya after Nov 19.

If NSC has an 'election' who will your candidate be?

2022-11-02T15:28:00.002+08:00

The general election fever is here. Quite a number of familiar faces in the sports scene will be trying their luck for a place in Parliament.

They include Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, who was dropped by Barisan Nasional (BN), and now plans to contest against BN to defend his Arau parliamentary seat. There's also Datuk Seri Megat Zulkarnain Omardin who will be going up against Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri Azmin Ali in Gombak.

Now imagine if the National Sports Council had an 'election'.

Its director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail turned 59 on Sept 28. I've been hearing him say "penat lah" (tired) since Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was Youth and Sports Minister.

It's not easy being in the hot seat - dealing with four ministers (and their four different agendas) since 2018. Then there's shortage of funds and national associations that remain overly reliant on the government's money via NSC.

Regardless if Ahmad Shapawi leaves once a new minister enters office, or remains in office for another year, I've been told that certain quarters have already been "lobbying" for the top post.

I would like to believe that Ahmad Shapawi has started his grooming process. If there was one thing I disagreed with the late Datuk Sieh Kok Chi, it was that he never really groomed anyone to fill in his big shoes.

I truly hope we won't see the same happening in NSC.

More importantly, let's not be short-sighted (no pun intended).

The potential candidate must look at sustainability and ensure NSC is able to raise its own funds in the long run. He/she must keep up with the evolution of sports.

I can see two possible candidates, but let's keep that for another day.

After all, just like in politics, you can name your candidates but it will only be certain on nomination day.

So if NSC had an election for the director-general's post, who would your 'calon' be?

Saman

2022-10-25T12:00:00.005+08:00

1. Pegawai sukan dan wartawan sukan mempunyai hubungan yang istimewa. Mereka saling memerlukan satu sama lain.

2. Ada yang suka apa yang dilaporkan. Ada pula yang akan melenting. Yang pasti, laporan harus objektif dan mampu memperkasakan lagi industri sukan negara.

3. Dalam tempoh 22 tahun saya berkecimpung dalam industri kewartawanan, ada yang tidak menyukai kritikan saya. Ada pula yang berpendapat dunia kewartawanan serupa dengan perhubungan awam - sepatutnya tulis "cantik-cantik saje ye."

4. Saya juga pernah disaman. Ada yang gembira sakan apabila saya disaman 11 tahun yang lalu. Namun, hakim membatalkan kes saman malu (defamation) tersebut dan berkata ianya "an abuse of judicial process".

5. Pernah di Kongres Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) lebih sedekad yang lalu, presiden FAM Allahyarham Sultan Ahmad Shah berkata kepada saya, "You ah, sometimes hit below the belt. But don't worry, I won't get angry." Ini berikutan hasil tulisan kritikal saya terhadap FAM. Pegawai sukan kini tak "sporting" macam Allayarham Sultan Ahmad Shah. Piala Burnley hilang pun masih tak terjawab-jawab.

6. Beberapa bulan yang lalu, laman berita Twentytwo13, di mana saya merupakan pengasas bersama dan pengarang, menerima "surat amaran" yang bertajuk "Unauthorised News Release". Ini berikutan laporan kami, yang diterbitkan pada bulan Julai, menyatakan bahawa kumpulan artis wanita K-pop terbesar di dunia akan membuat konsert di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil tahun hadapan. Siap dapat emel dari Hong Kong memberi amaran kami akan disaman. Namun, perkara ini disahkan oleh kumpulan tersebut dua bulan kemudian (September). Laporan kami tepat. Kami masih tertanya-tanya apa sebenarnya maksud "unauthorised news release" dan sejak bila agensi berita memerlukan kebenaran pihak ketiga untuk menyiarkan sebarang laporan?

6. Saya akui setiap pihak mempunyai hak untuk saman. Saman lah. Biar mahkamah yang membuat keputusan. Tetapi jika duit persatuan sukan diguna pakai, ianya harus dibentangkan dan diberitahu umum. Ini kerana kebanyakkan organisasi sukan mengharapkan duit kerajaan pusat atau negeri. Duit tersebut duit rakyat.

7. Kalau tak puas hati, baik duduk berbincang sambil makan laksa Kedah. Laksa Kedah sedap, Laksa Johor unik. Tapi saya lebih makan suka Assam Laksa kat Petaling Street kerana ia menggamit memori zaman saya sebagai pelajar undang-undang.

Is KL football finally 'safe'?

2022-10-21T17:54:00.002+08:00

Kuala Lumpur City FC will play Oman's Al Seeb in the AFC Cup final scheduled tomorow (Oct 22; 7pm) at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

The team has come a long way since the city boys hogged the backpages of local dailes in the 80s and 90s,

But the city outfit went through troubled times. Eleven years ago, the situation was so bad that a group of fans decided to start a Save KLFA campaign. To me, it was a humiliating moment for the administrators.

Today, it's a different Kuala Lumpur football team. Firstly, it's a club (note the change in name) and secondly, it has marked its presence in the region.

KL City FC has home advantage. While Al Seeb may be labelled as the favourites, deep down I believe Bojan Hodak's lads could win the title.

All the best to KL City FC and Al Seeb. Here's to a spectacular show.

Is KL football finally safe?

I would like to see what happens after GE15. This is because we've had individuals from different political affiliations calling the shots in their respective positions. And some are eager to give KL City FC CEO Stanley Bernard the boot. If Stanley goes, Hodak will pack up and leave.

So I guess KL football still needs to be 'saved' after all.

Read KLFA president Khalid to stay on despite calls to resign.

Farewell Satwant Singh Dhaliwal

2022-10-14T11:10:00.004+08:00

"Haresh, meet S.S Dhaliwal. It's like a name of a ship."

I was in the midst of typing an article when Johnson Fernandez's voice broke the silence. Standing next to the then Malay Mail sports editor was a tall man clad in a turban. His name: Satwant Singh Dhaliwal.

The year was 2001. It was my early days with the daily. The introduction took place when the Malay Mail crew shared the same office space with the New Straits Times - right at the far corner on the fourth floor of Balai Berita in Jalan Riong, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

Satwant already had a reputation of sorts prior to joining the newspaper. He was a respected hockey administrator, especially during his days with Yayasan Negeri Sembilan and the Negeri Sembilan state team.

As a journalist, he stayed true to his byline: S.S. Dhaliwal - where his articles were similar to that of a large ship that simply cannot be missed.

He has made good friends along the way. He also made enemies. As the saying goes, in life, you just can't please everybody.

As an individual, Satwant was ever supportive. I will never forget how I hugged him tightly at the Loke Yew crematorium at my dad's funeral in Feb 2002. Satwant attended the funeral, together with Graig Nunis, Rizal Hashim, and several others from the office.

When I was sued by the late Datuk Bustaman Abdullah, he was there to provide support. The defamation suit was eventually struck out by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on grounds the case was an abuse of the judicial process.

He was among those who believed in me.

I'm glad my son got to meet him and several of my former colleagues.

Satwant shares a light moment with junior, who is in the arms of former Malay Mail sports editor Tony Maridass in 2018.

The last time I saw Satwant was at Serbegth 'Shebby' Singh's funeral at the Loke Yew crematorium in January this year. He was already struggling with his vision then, perhaps due to the fact that he had diabetes and was undergoing dialysis almost daily.

This morning, I was informed Satwant is no longer with us. He was apparently having tea in a shop in his hometown, Tampin, when he suddenly collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead.

The main picture shows Satwant holding a 12.5kg gold bar at Kuala Lumpur Rackets Club owner Datuk Seri Andrew Kam's office. The gold bar was an incentive for the national shuttlers to win the Olympics at the 2012 London Olympics.

Some may disagree, but deep down, Satwant had a heart of gold.

Farewell, sir. Rest in peace.

Politik dan sukan berpisah tiada

2022-10-13T11:13:00.007+08:00

Politicians just seem to love sports.

MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong met ex-badminton stars Datuk Foo Kok Keong and Datuk Cheah Soon Kit at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Wee presented both the former shuttlers a plaque each and congratulated them for receiving their Datukships.

Here's what Wee posted on his Facebook page:

"Datuk Foo was conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN) by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong earlier this year.

Datuk Cheah received his Datukship, Darjah Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (PMW), in conjunction with the Federal Territory Day celebration last year."

One got his Datukship last year, the other earlier this year. Now only want to give a plaque and congratulate? Wee must be a very busy man, eh.

I would congratulate somebody almost immediately, and not wait months or over a year just to do so.

I mean if Wee wins his parliamentary seat in GE15, I'm sure he would want to congratulate him almost immediately, and not months or a year later, kan?

Politicians riding on the popularity of sports/athletes ahead of any polls is not new.

Remember when Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong were paraded in Ijok by Barisan Nasional members after winning the All-England doubles championship in 2007, days before the by-election there?

When PAS was gearing up for the 2013 elections, the party promised voters a new football stadium should the party remain in power in Kelantan.

Well, all the best to Wee and MCA in facing an interesting GE15.

As a reader of Foul! said once: "In Malaysia, politik dan sukan berpisah tiada."

Will MCA give ex-president a chance to contest in Bentong?

2022-10-11T09:51:00.004+08:00

I wrote about Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker's move to contest in Kuantan on Sept 23.

Ti, a lawyer, is MCA's vice-president and enjoys a close relationship with the Pahang royal household.

Soon after, I received several phone calls from MCA folks informing me that their ex-president Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai (main image) is eyeing to reclaim the Bentong Parliamentary seat.

Liow was the incumbent MP for Bentong since 2008 but lost the seat to DAP’s Wong Tack in the 2018 General Election.

Nevertheless, 'Uncle Liow' seems to still be championing Bentong matters - based on what is reflected on his social media platforms.

"But will MCA's top leadership allow Liow to contest in Bentong? Firstly, he lost there when he was president and secondly, certain quarters are afraid that if he wins, it will be seen as his comeback and he may then eye for the presidency post," said a ranking MCA official.

Another official said: "Is he there most of his time, or his representative?"

If Liow is given the mandate to contest in Bentong, he could face DAP's Young Syefura Othman. She is the Ketari rep.

Got chance, ah?

Well, anything is possible, especially when it's pretty much a level-playing field in GE15 - as far as many are concerned.

Just look at Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. The senior Umno man is still reeling from the defeat to Datuk Seri Rina Harun in Titiwangsa in 2018. He is eager to redeem his pride and may very well be given the mandate to contest the Parliamentary seat, yet again.

The difference - Umno has many other individuals who are trying their luck to play boss. And to them, Johari isn't a threat.

But the same cannot be said in MCA ...

Sports minister visits cue artists at world meet in Pandan Indah. Wait, does MPAJ know of the event?

2022-10-06T18:13:00.002+08:00

Ah, Pandan Indah. I love heading there for the food. You can get pretty much everything there - nasi lemak, bah kut teh, roti canai, western food, Japanese delights, Thai treats and even Mongolian cuisine.

The township hogged the spotlight after High-End Snooker Club, located in Pandan Kapital Mall, graciously offered to host not one, but five world competitions, and one Asian meet. This was reported by Kuala Lumpur news website, Twentytwo13.

Yesterday, the Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (main image) decided to drop by.

He presented medals to the champion and runners-up of the World 6 Reds Championship. He also presented the Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation incentive to national cue artist, Lim Kok Leong for his achievement at the SEA Games in Vietnam. Lim pocketed RM8,000 for the one gold medal (RM5,000) and one silver medal (RM3,000) he won.

In return, Ahmad Faizal received a token of appreciation from International Billiards and Snooker Federation president, Mubarak Al-Khayarin.

Ahmad Faizal (left) and Mubarak.

For those not in the know, the venue is exactly behind the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council headquarters. I wonder if they even know that such a series of world championships are happening right under their nose, and how they had used them to promote Pandan Indah.

Unless, of course, they feel Pandan Kapital falls under Kuala Lumpur City Hall's jurisdiction, simply due to the fact that the mall's address is Persiaran MPAJ, Pandan Indah, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Then again, MPAJ's address, as stated on its website, is: Menara MPAJ Jalan Pandan Utama, Pandan Indah, Selangor 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Took a screenshot of the address on MPAJ's website, just in case.

Wah, very confusing lah, this local council. They can't even get their address right, what more about stuff that's happening in their own backyard.

Parliament to be dissolved tomorrow, next week or next year? Just remember 3410

2022-10-05T14:04:00.008+08:00

I met some pals over dinner last night and one of them asked: "Bro, when Parliament gonna bubar. I wanna buy number."

Another mate said 10.10, 11.10 or 12.10.

"So buy 1010, 1110 and 1210 lah. Got it."

I told them I don't know. Because the country is gearing up for an over a RM1 billion 'kenduri' (wedding reception, ie. GE15) but the groom doesn't even know who the bride is. The political parties are still struggling to find their 'jodoh', so it could end up as a wedding for all. I guess that's what "unity" is all about, eh.

One thing is for sure - our Yang diPertuan Agong will be swearing in a Prime Minister for the third time (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on March 1, 2020 and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Aug 21, 2021).

As such, Al-Sultan Abdullah would have interacted with four Prime Ministers - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Muhyiddin, Ismail Sabri and PM10 - during his time in Istana Negara. His tenure as Agong ends in some 400-odd days. Hopefully, there won't be a Sheraton Move 2.0.

And the swearing-in will be for Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister.

Four PMs in five years during Al-Sultan Abdullah's time in Istana Negara. That's an unprecedented, historical feat, one that His Majesty and Malaysians will remember for a really long time.

To make it more memorable, organise the swearing-in ceremony for PM10 at 3pm, or 4pm or just do it at 10pm lah. See, PM10, 10PM - kinda nice, kan?

So to my friend who wants to buy a number, go buy 3410 (can 'pau' for better odds). That's the only confirmed thing at this point in time.

Note: Gambling, just like intense politicking, is unhealthy.

Forward-thinking Real Chukai FC puts established peers to shame

2022-10-03T20:37:00.004+08:00

I received this press release from Real Chukai Football Club.

Pretty impressed that the Terengganu-based grassroots club has developed a sponsorship prospectus for the 2023 season, ahead of the upcoming Kuala Lumpur Sports Industry Expo 2022.

The club will also participate in the expo as an exhibitor.

Such forward-thinking puts some of Real Chukai's more established peers to shame.

Here's the full press statement:

Real Chukai Football Club (“Real Chukai”) has recently completed the development of its sponsorship prospectus for season 2023.

The directors have unanimously approved the sponsorship prospectus, which was developed together with the help of Linda Workroom.

Real Chukai Chief Executive Officer, Amirrul Hakim Osman, said: "This is the first step in the process. We are now awaiting the financial audited report for 2022 which will be included within the prospectus."

"This, however, is an important step, which will allow Real Chukai to concretely start working on sponsorship for the next season, 2023.

"I would like to thank Linda Workroom managing partner, Muhammad Yunus Zakariah for his assistance in helping us prepare the prospectus, in time for the Kuala Lumpur Sports Industry Expo 2022."

Real Chukai will take part in the upcoming Kuala Lumpur Sports Industry Expo 2022, as one of the exhibitors.

Voltra and TATI University College (“UCTATI”) have expressed their interest to extend their sponsorship commitment to 2023. Representatives of Voltra and TATIUC have met Real Chukai executives, with a sponsorship deal to be concluded sometime this month.

Real Chukai welcomes potential brand partners and sponsors to visit them at the expo, which is scheduled this coming Thursday (October 06, 2022) to Sunday (October 09, 2022).

Understanding Ti Lian Ker's 'compassionate' tweets

2022-09-23T15:40:00.001+08:00

Saya hiba melihat tahap kebencian dan dendam kesumat sehinggalah mantan Perdana Menteri terpaksa dirawati di hospital , masih lagi ramai berhati batu.

Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker is getting slammed for his series of "compassionate" tweets towards ex-prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who is serving his 12-year jail time.

His Twitter profile, reads "my tweet is personal and spontaneous .. allow me to make some mistakes ss!"

But that doesn't really apply, especially when one is the MCA vice-president and deputy youth and sports minister.

So why is Ti even touching on a subject which can prove detrimental to him and his party?

All I can think of is Kuantan.

Ti has been having quite a number of events in the state capital. They include the Kafe Undi 18 tour kicked off in Kuantan, and he was there.

Ti, had in July, revealed the construction of the new Pahang Youth and Sports complex in Kuantan. He also got his ministry to organise the JomRun x KBS Kuantan Fun Run also in July.

Serving as senator now, Ti could very well contest in Kuantan, instead of Raub, in the upcoming GE. Based on the demographics seen in GE14, 66.39% of the 77,208 voters in Kuantan were Malay while 29.58% were Chinese.

APPARENTLY (note word in caps), a majority of Kuantan folk are still sore over the jailing of Najib, who by the way is still Pekan MP.

I'm sure some people in MCA are equally sore over Ti's tweets.

But for political survival, winning the hearts of Kuantan folk would mean more than those in Wisma MCA. If Ti is given the mandate to contest and (should he miraculously) win the Parliamentary seat there, he would silence his critics in the party.

I feel the tweets are a mistake. But who knows, Ti's "personal and spontaneous" thoughts on "humanity", "compassion" and "empathy" may perhaps (somehow) work in his favour.

When 'penjimatan' is a bad word

2022-09-23T14:22:00.002+08:00

A friend of mine works for an MNC. She shared how the budget for the following year has been slashed despite spending less than the earlier projected budget this year. The excuse by her regional bosses, "if you could do it with X amount, strive to do it lesser than X amount next year."

She strongly believes that those who save money should be incentivised - so that funds can be better spent.

I think so too.

Sadly, the word "savings" or "penjimatan" is frowned upon even by civil servants, for fear of budget cuts the following year. It's almost like a bad word.

This despite the fact that tax payers' will be happy to note that the government and its agencies, are for once, saving money instead of overspending.

So I guess, the diplomatic phrase to use is "perbelanjaan berhemah" or "prudent expenditure".

Such "perbelanjaan berhemah" is seen in this year's edition of the Malaysia Games that ends tomorrow.

It has had its fair share of drama, namely concerning athletics and weightlifting, but overall the 2022 Sukma is RM57 million cheaper than the previous edition in Perak. Isn't that a whole lot of savings that can be better spent on grassroots development for ALL sports (and not just football)?

It's important to jimat, especially after what our finance minister who loves to cycle said two days ago:

“Next year will be challenging. What is happening in the US, China, and Europe will have an impact on the global economy, including Malaysia.”

We also need to save, as Malaysia is set to host the 2027 SEA Games. Who knows, the 2027 SEA Games could be held elsewhere ... say, Johor? The Federal government will surely need the funds to build the infrastructure.

Speaking about Johor, the next in line to be the Yang diPertuan Agong is the Sultan of Johor. Given his interest in sports, and that of his son - the Crown Prince of Johor - I'm sure the Malaysian sporting landscape will be interesting when the Johor royal family occupy Istana Negara.