GLAMOIR MALAY MAIL have every reason to beat STM in their opening Kuala
Lumpur Dunhill League match today at STM ground (kickoff 4pm).
The Malay Mail team received a boost yesterday when Glamoir World of
Sports, a sports promotion company, came forward to sponsor them in the
Dunhill League this season.
The company will provide RM25,000 in cash, souveniors and match bonuses.
Glamoir chief executive officer Abdullah Hishan Hashim, who presented
jerseys to Malay Mail team manager Tony Mariadass, hopes to see the team
clinch the title this season.
"With City Hall and Maybank competing in the FAM League, we have a
bright chance of winning the title.
"A consistent performance from the players is the key to Malay Mail's
success," said Hishan.
Malay Mail, runnersup last season and President's Cup champions in 1992,
will now be officially called GlamoirMalay Mail.
This evening, Malay Mail will depend on their new players to deliver the
goods.
The newcomers are Faizal Ismail, Teng Kim Bin, Hasan Yunus, Rajendra
Manio, Nathan Ramasamy, Shiranjit Singh, Jeffery Kamaruddin, Massaud Zain
and Subramani Kuttyandy.
Today's fixtures: Glamoir Malay Mail v STM (STM ground); Cardinal Villa
v Sinaran Mutiara (Hospital ground). (Matches at 4pm).
(END)
Thursday, June 2, 1994
Big boost for Malay Mail (The Malay Mail)
Friday, May 13, 1994
FAs making a bad im-press-ion (12/05/1994 - The Malay Mail)
Publication : MM
Date : 12/05/1994
Headline : FAs making a bad im-press-ion
THE media play a key role in the promotion, development and publicity of
any sport event. And soccer, despite its popularity with the masses, has
always been given extensive coverage.
But it's unfortunate that the majority of soccer officials overlook this
fact.
At least, this is what one would surmise from the reception meted to
sports reporters in several States.
The FA of Malaysia have cultivated a healthy relationship with the media
and yet the State FAs have acted indifferently.
Time and again, the national body had briefed their affiliates on the
needs of the media but this appears to have fallen on deaf ears.
This season, FAM even told the FAs to appoint a Press liaison officer to
see to the needs of the media. Most have yet to fulfil this obligation.
In places like England, the media are a pampered lot. Receptions are
held for reporters before and after matches. Drinks are even served during
a match.
The Press room, too, is fully equipped with telephone and fax
facilities.
Most stadia in Europe even have closed circuit television in the Press
room, hence instant replays of goals and other highlights are immediately
observed.
None of these exist in Malaysia. To say that we are in the professional
era is a fallacy.
Reporters can consider themselves lucky if they could get hold of the
team list for a match.
In some stadiums, there is no even a Press room at all and where a chair is a
luxury. Can you blame the media if they were found sitting on the running
track?
Even then, the window panes of Press rooms are dirty.
Recently, a State FA official - when requested for the team list - said
it was not their duty to provide one.
This official, ironically a liaison officer, produced an FAM circular
which mentioned that the reserve referee was responsible for the team
list.
What the circular meant was the reserve referee was responsible for
compiling the starting 11 from the two teams playing.
It is not his job to distribute the team list to the media.
After this explanation, this official took the trouble to get an extra
copy of the team list for this writer.
However, the other reporters were not given the list and had to copy the
players' names from me.
We are not asking for the world. We don't need drinks or receptions.
All we want is a proper place to work and with the necessary details
provided.
The FA of Selangor have even taken the liberty to decide who should
cover the matches.
Several reporters had their passes issued by the Sportswriters
Association of Malaysia, which are recognised by the FA of Malaysia,
confiscated because the State FA gateman felt that another writer from the
same press had gained entry earlier.
The passes were later returned after several senior writers approached
the FAS to express their dissatisfaction.
The official's argument was that there were too many Pressmen for every
match.
Our argument is who are the FAS to decide who and how many should cover
a match.
After all, the media use the Press box provided at Merdeka Stadium and
even if there were too many reporters for a particular match, they are the
ones who are inconvenienced by its limitations in space.
Even then, we find fans who encroach into the Press area to deny us the
opportunity to get a seat or work in peace.
Maybe they should think of expanding the Press room and providing
assistance in keeping away the paying fans from occupying it instead of
denying us entry.
But the State FAs have a ready-made excuse - the stadia do not belong to
us.
If only some concerted efforts were made, things would definitely have
been better.
Malaysian sportswriters were not the only ones mistreated. One
Singaporean writer, who had all relevant accreditation, had to wait for
an hour before he was allowed to enter the stadium.
The bottomline is that no matter how many reporters turn up to cover a
match, they do not take up the place of paying fans. These reporters are
in the Press room which is meant for them.
This is a clear case of officials who have got too big for the game.
Then we have officials who will have the world's best smiles for us or
find time for us, so as long as we write about them and the association in
a positive light.
The moment, we take a "dig" at them for their unprofessional attitude or
approach, or point out their blunders, we become their Number One public
enemy overnight.
Some players are no different.
Try criticising them in the papers and the next day, they will give the
reporter concerned the cold shoulder treatment. Or if the player is
hypersensitive, as in the case of an ex-national goalkeeper, he will wait
for you with a block of ice in hand after training!
And these are the people who are supposed to be professionals.
Probably, these officials and players should take former national coach
Frank Lord's advice when he told his players who had complained to him
that the Press were giving them a hard time.
Lord had said then: "If you cannot stomach what is written about you in
the papers, then do not read it. If you must read the papers, then taken
whatever is written with a pinch of salt or use it as reason to prove the
wrong by doing the right things."
It is hoped that those concerned should take note of this article in the
right spirit and work immediately towards improving the prevailing
conditions in the interest of the game and as professionals.
Date : 12/05/1994
Headline : FAs making a bad im-press-ion
THE media play a key role in the promotion, development and publicity of
any sport event. And soccer, despite its popularity with the masses, has
always been given extensive coverage.
But it's unfortunate that the majority of soccer officials overlook this
fact.
At least, this is what one would surmise from the reception meted to
sports reporters in several States.
The FA of Malaysia have cultivated a healthy relationship with the media
and yet the State FAs have acted indifferently.
Time and again, the national body had briefed their affiliates on the
needs of the media but this appears to have fallen on deaf ears.
This season, FAM even told the FAs to appoint a Press liaison officer to
see to the needs of the media. Most have yet to fulfil this obligation.
In places like England, the media are a pampered lot. Receptions are
held for reporters before and after matches. Drinks are even served during
a match.
The Press room, too, is fully equipped with telephone and fax
facilities.
Most stadia in Europe even have closed circuit television in the Press
room, hence instant replays of goals and other highlights are immediately
observed.
None of these exist in Malaysia. To say that we are in the professional
era is a fallacy.
Reporters can consider themselves lucky if they could get hold of the
team list for a match.
In some stadiums, there is no even a Press room at all and where a chair is a
luxury. Can you blame the media if they were found sitting on the running
track?
Even then, the window panes of Press rooms are dirty.
Recently, a State FA official - when requested for the team list - said
it was not their duty to provide one.
This official, ironically a liaison officer, produced an FAM circular
which mentioned that the reserve referee was responsible for the team
list.
What the circular meant was the reserve referee was responsible for
compiling the starting 11 from the two teams playing.
It is not his job to distribute the team list to the media.
After this explanation, this official took the trouble to get an extra
copy of the team list for this writer.
However, the other reporters were not given the list and had to copy the
players' names from me.
We are not asking for the world. We don't need drinks or receptions.
All we want is a proper place to work and with the necessary details
provided.
The FA of Selangor have even taken the liberty to decide who should
cover the matches.
Several reporters had their passes issued by the Sportswriters
Association of Malaysia, which are recognised by the FA of Malaysia,
confiscated because the State FA gateman felt that another writer from the
same press had gained entry earlier.
The passes were later returned after several senior writers approached
the FAS to express their dissatisfaction.
The official's argument was that there were too many Pressmen for every
match.
Our argument is who are the FAS to decide who and how many should cover
a match.
After all, the media use the Press box provided at Merdeka Stadium and
even if there were too many reporters for a particular match, they are the
ones who are inconvenienced by its limitations in space.
Even then, we find fans who encroach into the Press area to deny us the
opportunity to get a seat or work in peace.
Maybe they should think of expanding the Press room and providing
assistance in keeping away the paying fans from occupying it instead of
denying us entry.
But the State FAs have a ready-made excuse - the stadia do not belong to
us.
If only some concerted efforts were made, things would definitely have
been better.
Malaysian sportswriters were not the only ones mistreated. One
Singaporean writer, who had all relevant accreditation, had to wait for
an hour before he was allowed to enter the stadium.
The bottomline is that no matter how many reporters turn up to cover a
match, they do not take up the place of paying fans. These reporters are
in the Press room which is meant for them.
This is a clear case of officials who have got too big for the game.
Then we have officials who will have the world's best smiles for us or
find time for us, so as long as we write about them and the association in
a positive light.
The moment, we take a "dig" at them for their unprofessional attitude or
approach, or point out their blunders, we become their Number One public
enemy overnight.
Some players are no different.
Try criticising them in the papers and the next day, they will give the
reporter concerned the cold shoulder treatment. Or if the player is
hypersensitive, as in the case of an ex-national goalkeeper, he will wait
for you with a block of ice in hand after training!
And these are the people who are supposed to be professionals.
Probably, these officials and players should take former national coach
Frank Lord's advice when he told his players who had complained to him
that the Press were giving them a hard time.
Lord had said then: "If you cannot stomach what is written about you in
the papers, then do not read it. If you must read the papers, then taken
whatever is written with a pinch of salt or use it as reason to prove the
wrong by doing the right things."
It is hoped that those concerned should take note of this article in the
right spirit and work immediately towards improving the prevailing
conditions in the interest of the game and as professionals.
Friday, April 29, 1994
Amateurish officials (28/04/1994 - The Malay Mail)
Publication : MM
Date : 28/04/1994
Headline : Amateurish officials
WHEN will they ever learn?
For five years, Malaysian soccer went through a trial period (Semi-Pro)
before going fully professionally this year.
But it looks like the five years served no purpose at all, because in
this new era of professionalism, State FAs are still condoning and making
amateurish decisions.
Probably the root of the problem is the officials behind these State
FAs.
While the players have been told to turn professionals by quitting their
jobs, there are still many part-time officials who use the game as a lever
to promote themselves or use it to reap benefits.
These officials still place themselves above the game.
And, sadly, some of them do not even have a clue about the game and
allow their sentiments to rule rather than their head.
Half the time, these officials are more concerned about being dolled up
on match days and making their presence felt. Some teams have as many
officials as the number of players!
These teams place more emphasis on the presence of officials in the
squad than important personnel like physiotherapists or doctors.
FA of Malaysia for the last five years have held seminars after seminars
to educate these officials to become more professional in their approach
and administration, but it looks like it has only fallen on deaf ears.
Even when the FA of Malaysia spend thousands - and sometimes millions -
of ringgit on study tours overseas, they are of little use.
These officials are more interested in sightseeing and shopping rather
than the soccer programmes arranged.
Probably, it is about time some true young professionals are involved at
the State level and who really take their job seriously.
Of course, there are also some young officials who are already in the
mainstream but, sadly again, either their habits of their predecessors
have rubbed on them or the money in the game has got the better of them.
However, in all fairness to some senior and up-and coming officials,
there are some who are making an earnest effort.
But, what we need is not a few professional officials, but an entire
setup of professional officials!
Date : 28/04/1994
Headline : Amateurish officials
WHEN will they ever learn?
For five years, Malaysian soccer went through a trial period (Semi-Pro)
before going fully professionally this year.
But it looks like the five years served no purpose at all, because in
this new era of professionalism, State FAs are still condoning and making
amateurish decisions.
Probably the root of the problem is the officials behind these State
FAs.
While the players have been told to turn professionals by quitting their
jobs, there are still many part-time officials who use the game as a lever
to promote themselves or use it to reap benefits.
These officials still place themselves above the game.
And, sadly, some of them do not even have a clue about the game and
allow their sentiments to rule rather than their head.
Half the time, these officials are more concerned about being dolled up
on match days and making their presence felt. Some teams have as many
officials as the number of players!
These teams place more emphasis on the presence of officials in the
squad than important personnel like physiotherapists or doctors.
FA of Malaysia for the last five years have held seminars after seminars
to educate these officials to become more professional in their approach
and administration, but it looks like it has only fallen on deaf ears.
Even when the FA of Malaysia spend thousands - and sometimes millions -
of ringgit on study tours overseas, they are of little use.
These officials are more interested in sightseeing and shopping rather
than the soccer programmes arranged.
Probably, it is about time some true young professionals are involved at
the State level and who really take their job seriously.
Of course, there are also some young officials who are already in the
mainstream but, sadly again, either their habits of their predecessors
have rubbed on them or the money in the game has got the better of them.
However, in all fairness to some senior and up-and coming officials,
there are some who are making an earnest effort.
But, what we need is not a few professional officials, but an entire
setup of professional officials!
Saturday, April 23, 1994
Selling an excuse (22/04/1994 - The Malay Mail)
Publication : MM
Date : 22/04/1994
Headline : Selling an excuse
ENOUGH is enough! Ever since the soccer season kicked off with the FA Cup
last month, week after week, when a team loses, it is either because the
team was on the `take' or individual players `were involved'.
It has become a lame excuse for losing teams and now even soccer fans
and sportswriters have joined in the bandwagon to say that matches have
been rigged.
The height of the issue surely must be when an afternoon daily (not
Malay Mail) went front page with a report that the Premier League match
between Selangor and Malacca had been rigged and even had the result - 3-1
in favour of Selangor. The end result was 1-1.
Then the following week, Malacca fans were chanting that coach G.
Torairaju and his players had `sold out' when they lost to Singapore.
When Sabah lost 1-5 to Perak, there were suspicions also.
Even Pahang were suspected for their poor showing, but their team
management have cleared them of it after some investigations.
Penang is another team plaqued with these accusations.
Even referees are not spared when home fans accused S. Subramonoven of
being biased in the match against Negri Sembilan just because he flashed
five yellow cards against their players.
State FAs accuse their players are on the `take', but again nothing much
is done because the same players continue to play.
In most cases, these issues come about in teams where they have too many
officials.
Some of these officials, who have not the slightest clue about the game,
indulge themselves in talks of bribery and get carried away. And the next
thing you know, they are accusing their players of being dishonest.
Probably these States should take a look at Sarawak.
When was the last time anyone heard Sarawak say anything about bribery
when they lose a match?
Not in a long time - at least not since Alan Vest took charge of the
team because he is a man who does not believe in bribery although he has
heard a lot about it since coming to Malaysia.
Secondly, he believes in his players and has drilled it into them that
if he ever finds out that any of his players are involved, that will be
the last he will see of them.
Above all, Vest is a professional who accepts defeats and wins in the
true spirit of the game.
Although the bribery problem has been in existence for a while now,
nothing much has been done about it.
And it serves no purpose just talking about it week in and week out.
So far, only Armed Forces and Negri Sembilan have taken some positive
steps.
Armed Forces FA in 1991 brought Wee Yew Lee to the docks and found him
guilty of bribery.
Negri FA have made an official report to the Negri Sembilan Anti-
Corruption Agency (ACA) on allegations of match-fixing by several of their
players last season during the Semi-Pro League.
Earlier, NSFA had set up a four-member board of inquiry who had come up
with a report and submitted to the ACA to facilitate investigations. The
full investigations are expected to be completed in a month.
The FA of Malaysia, on the other hand, have set up a special task force
comprising police and ACA officers to look into the menace.
Deputy Inspector General Police Datuk Samsuri Arshad has also appealed
to the public to come forward with information.
But until and when State FAs, fans and sportswriters come forward with
information, there is little that can be done.
Thus, it is pointless, talking about the menace when nobody wants to
take the responsibility to bring up the matter to the relevant authorities
and put players to pastures if they are really guilty.
Until then, it is hoped that teams, officials, fans and sportswriters
stop using bribery as a lame excuse each time a team loses.
Winning is important but somebody has to lose sometimes.
Let us watch the matches in the true spirit of the game. Let us hope
that all those involved will adopt a `fair play' attitude to make the game
interesting and entertaining.
Date : 22/04/1994
Headline : Selling an excuse
ENOUGH is enough! Ever since the soccer season kicked off with the FA Cup
last month, week after week, when a team loses, it is either because the
team was on the `take' or individual players `were involved'.
It has become a lame excuse for losing teams and now even soccer fans
and sportswriters have joined in the bandwagon to say that matches have
been rigged.
The height of the issue surely must be when an afternoon daily (not
Malay Mail) went front page with a report that the Premier League match
between Selangor and Malacca had been rigged and even had the result - 3-1
in favour of Selangor. The end result was 1-1.
Then the following week, Malacca fans were chanting that coach G.
Torairaju and his players had `sold out' when they lost to Singapore.
When Sabah lost 1-5 to Perak, there were suspicions also.
Even Pahang were suspected for their poor showing, but their team
management have cleared them of it after some investigations.
Penang is another team plaqued with these accusations.
Even referees are not spared when home fans accused S. Subramonoven of
being biased in the match against Negri Sembilan just because he flashed
five yellow cards against their players.
State FAs accuse their players are on the `take', but again nothing much
is done because the same players continue to play.
In most cases, these issues come about in teams where they have too many
officials.
Some of these officials, who have not the slightest clue about the game,
indulge themselves in talks of bribery and get carried away. And the next
thing you know, they are accusing their players of being dishonest.
Probably these States should take a look at Sarawak.
When was the last time anyone heard Sarawak say anything about bribery
when they lose a match?
Not in a long time - at least not since Alan Vest took charge of the
team because he is a man who does not believe in bribery although he has
heard a lot about it since coming to Malaysia.
Secondly, he believes in his players and has drilled it into them that
if he ever finds out that any of his players are involved, that will be
the last he will see of them.
Above all, Vest is a professional who accepts defeats and wins in the
true spirit of the game.
Although the bribery problem has been in existence for a while now,
nothing much has been done about it.
And it serves no purpose just talking about it week in and week out.
So far, only Armed Forces and Negri Sembilan have taken some positive
steps.
Armed Forces FA in 1991 brought Wee Yew Lee to the docks and found him
guilty of bribery.
Negri FA have made an official report to the Negri Sembilan Anti-
Corruption Agency (ACA) on allegations of match-fixing by several of their
players last season during the Semi-Pro League.
Earlier, NSFA had set up a four-member board of inquiry who had come up
with a report and submitted to the ACA to facilitate investigations. The
full investigations are expected to be completed in a month.
The FA of Malaysia, on the other hand, have set up a special task force
comprising police and ACA officers to look into the menace.
Deputy Inspector General Police Datuk Samsuri Arshad has also appealed
to the public to come forward with information.
But until and when State FAs, fans and sportswriters come forward with
information, there is little that can be done.
Thus, it is pointless, talking about the menace when nobody wants to
take the responsibility to bring up the matter to the relevant authorities
and put players to pastures if they are really guilty.
Until then, it is hoped that teams, officials, fans and sportswriters
stop using bribery as a lame excuse each time a team loses.
Winning is important but somebody has to lose sometimes.
Let us watch the matches in the true spirit of the game. Let us hope
that all those involved will adopt a `fair play' attitude to make the game
interesting and entertaining.
Saturday, March 12, 1994
Locals are as good (The Malay Mail)
MALAYSIAN coaches can produce similar results if given the same status as
foreign soccer coaches.
This is the frank opinion of Chow Kwai Lam, one of the locals who has
tasted success in the Malaysia Cup.
The former Kuala Lumpur and Selangor firebrand feels that local coaches
should be given better recognition than what they have been accorded over
the years.
Kwai Lam, who is protem president of the newly-formed Malaysian Coaches
Association, said it was wrong to assume that local coaches are not
capable of producing results.
"A check of the statistics will reveal that local coaches have done
equally well in recent years," he said.
"Ahmad Shafie did well with Kedah, taking them to two Malaysia Cup
finals although they did not win.
Reference
"In my opinion, Kedah reaped the rewards of Ahmad's work when they
finally won the Cup in 1990."
He said M. Karathu has also done very well as coach of Perak and
Kelantan.
Kwai Lam, too, can also be considered successful, having steered Kuala
Lumpur to three consecutive Malaysia Cup triumphs from 1987 to 1989.
"The bottom line is that coaches like Karathu, Ahmad and myself were
given free rein to carry out our tasks.
"And, with the FAs having had confidence in us, we delivered the goods.
"But, in most cases, local coaches are not given these privileges."
Kwai Lam also drew reference to the fact that, based on the ratio of
foreign coaches to locals since 1989, Malaysians have done well to reach
the semifinal and final stages of the Malaysia Cup and also finished among
top teams in the League.
Yet, he said, local coaches are paid poorly compared with the
foreigners.
"And we have reason to quibble with this fact because, except for a few,
most of the foreign coaches are about the same standard as the locals.
"Some are even less experienced. But they are paid higher than the
locals, given a free hand and glorified by everyone.
Low pay
"It is about time that better recognition and privileges are accorded to
the locals."
Kwai Lam said that foreign coaches are normally employed for a short
term.
"But it defeats the purpose of development of the game and to raise the
standard because once the foreigners leave, there is no continuity.
"Local coaches have the future at heart and work towards long-term
development, but FAs normally do not support this.
"And when local coaches are handling the teams, theyare not given the
mandate to pick the players they want, especially foreigners. But when
foreigners are in charge, they are given a free say. Surely they can
produce better results.
"I am not against foreign coaches working here, but all I am saying is
that they must be of top quality and not just the same standard as local
coaches.
"Besides, I feel that local coaches should not be discriminated or given
different rules.
"I believe if the local coaches are given the opportunity with everthing
equal as they would treat the foreign coaches, results will definitely be
forthcoming."
Kwai Lam said that when local coaches are hired, besides the
restrictions and low pay, they are normally part-timers.
This season, there will be nine foreign coaches and five local coaches,
excluding the two foreign coaches for Singapore and Brunei.
Whether a local coach is able to turn the odds and claim the honours
like a foreign coach is left to be seen.
Since the inaugural SemiPro league, only three local coaches have
managed to taste honours - Khaidir Buyong, Kwai Lam and S. Subramaniam.
HOW THE COACHES FARED SINCE SEMI-PRO LEAGUE STARTED IN 1989
YEAR FA CUP LEAGUE CUP MALAYSIA CUP
1989 NO competition Khaidir Buyong (Selangor) Chow Kwai Lam (KL)
1990 M. Karathu (Perak) Khaidir Buyong (Selangor) Milous Kvacek (Kedah)
1991 Ken Worden (Sgor) Michael Urukalo (Johor) Michael Urukalo (Johor)
1992 Alan Vest (Swak) Mike Brown (Pahang) Mike Brown (Pahang)
1993 S. Subramaniam (KL) Robert Alberts (Kedah) Robert Alberts (Kedah)
Note: FA Cup inagurated in 1990.
PREMIER LEAGUE COACHES 1994
Malaysians unless stated:
JOHOR : Wan Jamak Wan Hassan
KEDAH : Robert Rene Alberts (Dutch)
KELANTAN : Milous Kvacek (Slovak)
KUALA LUMPUR : Ken John Shellito (English)
NEGRI SEMBILAN: M. Karathu
PAHANG : Tajuddin Nor
PERAK : Michael Urukalo (Australian)
PENANG : Mico Radovic (Swede)
SARAWAK : Alan Vest (Australian)
SELANGOR : Bernhard Schumm (German)
SABAH : Kelly Tham Fook Fah
MALACCA : G. Torairaju
PERLIS : Josef Herel (Solvak)
TERENGGANU: Marco Bilic (Yugoslav)
FOREIGN COACHES IN MALAYSIA SINCE 1989
1989: 6
1990: 5
1991: 8
1992: 10
1993: 9
1994: 9
GUEST TEAMS:
Singapore: Ken Worden (Australian)
Brunei: Mike Lyons (English)
(END)
Wednesday, January 19, 1994
Don't spoil young ones with cash (18/01/1994 - The Malay Mail)
Publication : MM
Date : 18/01/1994
Headline : Don't spoil young ones with cash
ARE we breeding mercenaries? The cash incentive scheme for school
athletes announced last Tuesday seems to suggest it.
Once these schoolchildren are pampered at an early age, it will be
difficult for them to discard the habit of demanding cash for their
efforts when they progress to the senior state or national teams.
It was announced the athletes will be paid cash rewards for winning
medals or breaking records in track events in state and national
championships.
Under the scheme, from this year until 1998, there will be 5,500 prizes
for the top three winners of the 56 events in three age-groups (Under-20,
Under-16 and Under-12) for boys and girls.
The scheme is part of a RM4 million training and development programme
launched by Caltex Oil Malaysia, which was endorsed by the Education
Ministry.
It was reported that the aim of the scheme is to produce a strong
athletics squad for the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
School athletes who match the 1990 Commonwealth Games' top three
winning marks in state and national schools meets will be rewarded with
RM50,000, RM30,000 and RM10,000 respectively.
It is all right to reward achievements, but one wonders if the idea
could have adverse effects on our young athletes, who might end up cash-
orientated.
Patriotism will then become a thing of the past.
It would have been more appropriate to channel the funds into schools
or the State Sports Councils to upgrade facilities or hire proper
coaches.
In the scheme, the champion state will get a 115m tartan training
track. More such incentives should have been included instead of
splashing cash on kids.
Alternatively, rewards should be in terms of scholarships.
Already, there are complaints that present day sportsmen and sportswomen
no longer take pride in representing their states or nation.
Undeniably, sport has become more professional. Gone are the days when
athletes ran for the state or country as patriotic representatives.
But there must still be some level of pride in representing the state or
country.
A re-think of the mechanics of the incentive scheme is certainly in
order.
Date : 18/01/1994
Headline : Don't spoil young ones with cash
ARE we breeding mercenaries? The cash incentive scheme for school
athletes announced last Tuesday seems to suggest it.
Once these schoolchildren are pampered at an early age, it will be
difficult for them to discard the habit of demanding cash for their
efforts when they progress to the senior state or national teams.
It was announced the athletes will be paid cash rewards for winning
medals or breaking records in track events in state and national
championships.
Under the scheme, from this year until 1998, there will be 5,500 prizes
for the top three winners of the 56 events in three age-groups (Under-20,
Under-16 and Under-12) for boys and girls.
The scheme is part of a RM4 million training and development programme
launched by Caltex Oil Malaysia, which was endorsed by the Education
Ministry.
It was reported that the aim of the scheme is to produce a strong
athletics squad for the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
School athletes who match the 1990 Commonwealth Games' top three
winning marks in state and national schools meets will be rewarded with
RM50,000, RM30,000 and RM10,000 respectively.
It is all right to reward achievements, but one wonders if the idea
could have adverse effects on our young athletes, who might end up cash-
orientated.
Patriotism will then become a thing of the past.
It would have been more appropriate to channel the funds into schools
or the State Sports Councils to upgrade facilities or hire proper
coaches.
In the scheme, the champion state will get a 115m tartan training
track. More such incentives should have been included instead of
splashing cash on kids.
Alternatively, rewards should be in terms of scholarships.
Already, there are complaints that present day sportsmen and sportswomen
no longer take pride in representing their states or nation.
Undeniably, sport has become more professional. Gone are the days when
athletes ran for the state or country as patriotic representatives.
But there must still be some level of pride in representing the state or
country.
A re-think of the mechanics of the incentive scheme is certainly in
order.
Wednesday, January 12, 1994
What now, Bakar? (11/01/1994 - The Malay Mail)
Publication : MM
Date : 11/01/1994
Headline : What now, Bakar?
FA of Malaysia's fickle-mindedness has once again put them in spot.
FA of Malaysia vice-president Datuk Bakar Daud's statement on Sunday
that the national soccer body want their national team to compete in the
Asian Games, even if it means paying their way to Hiroshima, only
underlines the uncertainties in what they want.
And it was indeed surprising that Datuk Bakar had given the statement in
the wake of the FA of Malaysia Council's decision last July that they will
not send a team to Hiroshima, even if the Olympic Council of Malaysia
(OCM) give them the go-ahead.
This decision came about after the president of FA of Malaysia, the
Sultan of Pahang, soon after Malaysia's dismal performance in the
Singapore Sea Games in June had said that he saw no reason why the soccer
team should not go to Hiroshima just because of two defeats in the Sea
Games (to Myanmar 1-2 and Thailand 0-2 and failed to reach the semifinals)
as opposed to the team's fine performance in the Jakarta Anniversary
tournament, the Merdeka tournament and the first leg of the pre-World Cup.
However, the Sultan of Pahang changed his mind on his stand after the
advisory committee chaired by him discussed the matter later.
Thoughts
In this meeting, it was pointed out that if the national team were to
compete in Hiroshima, there will be a target set, and they would not be
ready for that yet because the newlook national team will not be ready for
the next two years.
The rationale behind this move was that although exposure is important,
the idea is to focus thoughts on longterm results and set targets only
when the national team are in a position to deliver.
It was said that the new team to be assembled soon will be kept together
for the next five years. Their main target will be the pre-World Cup
qualifying tournament in 1997.
This did not mean that there will be no targets set until 1997, but
while they were not expecting anything substantial for the next two years,
they were looking forward to making an impact in Asian soccer come 1996 in
the Asian Cup.
But all these plans have been blown away, with Datuk Bakar's plea for
the national team to compete in Hiroshima.
The question on everyone's lips is whether we are ready to compete in
the Asian Games, or merely want to compete for the exposure and suffer
another beating which is certainly not going to help our world ranking but
further demoralise the national players.
Or could it be because competing at the Asian Games is glamorous, even
if it means our pride takes a beating.
And are we going to rely on youth players to perform at a high level
competition as the Asian Games, or we are going back to square one by
recalling all the senior players, only to face another debacle and start
crucifying them all over again for no fault of theirs?
If we were really interested and serious about competing in the Asian
Games, we should have started preparing immediately after the Sea Games
debacle and not wait until the 11th hour to join in the bandwagon to
compete in the Games.
Besides, after all has been finalised for the M-League, Malaysia's
participation in the Asian Games will definitely throw a spanner in the
schedule.
Lastly, but not the least, Datuk Bakar's statement has given room for
OCM to shoot them down in the open for no apparent reason, but for their
own folly.
Besides, OCM have already made it very clear since two years ago that
teams or individuals who do not meet the qualifying mark cannot pay their
own way to competitions.
With all these known, it was really puzzling how Datuk Bakar came up
with this statement.
Besides, this view of the soccer team competing in Hiroshima has
certainly not been discussed again after their earlier stand at the
Council meeting.
The next Council meeting is this Sunday, and probably Datuk Bakar has
jumped the gun with his personal thoughts on the matter after the
competitions committee meeting on Sunday of which he is the chairman.
This is not the first time that FA of Malaysia have been seen in the
public as being fickle in their planning because there were other
instances like the Tigers squad which was first formed two years before
the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 and was supposed to have been groomed for
the Games.
But, before anything could happen, the team was disbanded as several
potential players were drafted to the already exisiting national team.
It is still happening. Remember the Barcelona Olympic squad? After 18
months of preparation and millions of ringgit pumped in, where are they
now?
Among the other decisions which seemed fickle-minded are:
Format
* Introducing the three-point system in the inaugural Semi-Pro season in
1989 but reverted to the orthodox system the very next season, before
going back to the three-point system again last year.
* The single format league which was in practice from 1982 to 1989 when
the game went semi-professional with two divisions, now reverts back to
the single format for the M-League this season.
* Introducing the National Club League last year, only to change the
format this year to see only one team from each state competing (with the
exception of KL who have two teams) in the new Amateur League. It would
have been more appropriate to introduce a Reserve League, which is finally
being introduced.
Generally, the FA of Malaysia are trying their level best to upgrade the
standard of the game in the country and to attain a respectable standing
among Asian countries but, more often than not, their path has been
impaired by not getting everyone in the association to think in one
direction or at least come to one common consensus and stick by it!
Date : 11/01/1994
Headline : What now, Bakar?
FA of Malaysia's fickle-mindedness has once again put them in spot.
FA of Malaysia vice-president Datuk Bakar Daud's statement on Sunday
that the national soccer body want their national team to compete in the
Asian Games, even if it means paying their way to Hiroshima, only
underlines the uncertainties in what they want.
And it was indeed surprising that Datuk Bakar had given the statement in
the wake of the FA of Malaysia Council's decision last July that they will
not send a team to Hiroshima, even if the Olympic Council of Malaysia
(OCM) give them the go-ahead.
This decision came about after the president of FA of Malaysia, the
Sultan of Pahang, soon after Malaysia's dismal performance in the
Singapore Sea Games in June had said that he saw no reason why the soccer
team should not go to Hiroshima just because of two defeats in the Sea
Games (to Myanmar 1-2 and Thailand 0-2 and failed to reach the semifinals)
as opposed to the team's fine performance in the Jakarta Anniversary
tournament, the Merdeka tournament and the first leg of the pre-World Cup.
However, the Sultan of Pahang changed his mind on his stand after the
advisory committee chaired by him discussed the matter later.
Thoughts
In this meeting, it was pointed out that if the national team were to
compete in Hiroshima, there will be a target set, and they would not be
ready for that yet because the newlook national team will not be ready for
the next two years.
The rationale behind this move was that although exposure is important,
the idea is to focus thoughts on longterm results and set targets only
when the national team are in a position to deliver.
It was said that the new team to be assembled soon will be kept together
for the next five years. Their main target will be the pre-World Cup
qualifying tournament in 1997.
This did not mean that there will be no targets set until 1997, but
while they were not expecting anything substantial for the next two years,
they were looking forward to making an impact in Asian soccer come 1996 in
the Asian Cup.
But all these plans have been blown away, with Datuk Bakar's plea for
the national team to compete in Hiroshima.
The question on everyone's lips is whether we are ready to compete in
the Asian Games, or merely want to compete for the exposure and suffer
another beating which is certainly not going to help our world ranking but
further demoralise the national players.
Or could it be because competing at the Asian Games is glamorous, even
if it means our pride takes a beating.
And are we going to rely on youth players to perform at a high level
competition as the Asian Games, or we are going back to square one by
recalling all the senior players, only to face another debacle and start
crucifying them all over again for no fault of theirs?
If we were really interested and serious about competing in the Asian
Games, we should have started preparing immediately after the Sea Games
debacle and not wait until the 11th hour to join in the bandwagon to
compete in the Games.
Besides, after all has been finalised for the M-League, Malaysia's
participation in the Asian Games will definitely throw a spanner in the
schedule.
Lastly, but not the least, Datuk Bakar's statement has given room for
OCM to shoot them down in the open for no apparent reason, but for their
own folly.
Besides, OCM have already made it very clear since two years ago that
teams or individuals who do not meet the qualifying mark cannot pay their
own way to competitions.
With all these known, it was really puzzling how Datuk Bakar came up
with this statement.
Besides, this view of the soccer team competing in Hiroshima has
certainly not been discussed again after their earlier stand at the
Council meeting.
The next Council meeting is this Sunday, and probably Datuk Bakar has
jumped the gun with his personal thoughts on the matter after the
competitions committee meeting on Sunday of which he is the chairman.
This is not the first time that FA of Malaysia have been seen in the
public as being fickle in their planning because there were other
instances like the Tigers squad which was first formed two years before
the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 and was supposed to have been groomed for
the Games.
But, before anything could happen, the team was disbanded as several
potential players were drafted to the already exisiting national team.
It is still happening. Remember the Barcelona Olympic squad? After 18
months of preparation and millions of ringgit pumped in, where are they
now?
Among the other decisions which seemed fickle-minded are:
Format
* Introducing the three-point system in the inaugural Semi-Pro season in
1989 but reverted to the orthodox system the very next season, before
going back to the three-point system again last year.
* The single format league which was in practice from 1982 to 1989 when
the game went semi-professional with two divisions, now reverts back to
the single format for the M-League this season.
* Introducing the National Club League last year, only to change the
format this year to see only one team from each state competing (with the
exception of KL who have two teams) in the new Amateur League. It would
have been more appropriate to introduce a Reserve League, which is finally
being introduced.
Generally, the FA of Malaysia are trying their level best to upgrade the
standard of the game in the country and to attain a respectable standing
among Asian countries but, more often than not, their path has been
impaired by not getting everyone in the association to think in one
direction or at least come to one common consensus and stick by it!
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