KUALA LUMPUR — There is no need to postpone the elections if the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association (KLHA) has its documents in order and is adhering to the rules, says Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias.
Suhardi’s response follows the postponement of the KLHA elections, which were thrown into chaos when Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin, a presidential candidate, and his coalition were denied entry to the meeting venue at Jalan Klang Lama on January 25.
This incident comes in the wake of Megat’s recent announcement to stage a protest during the elections after KLHA claimed that several nomination forms submitted by his coalition contained forged signatures.
Amid the ensuing commotion, KLHA decided to postpone the elections until further notice, pending advice and a new date from the Sports Commissioner’s office.
Speaking to Scoop, Suhardi said that his office was shocked to learn about the postponement, calling it disrespectful to the affiliates present at the elections.
“This is indeed something new, and it has never happened before. I wonder why the elections had to be postponed when all the financial documents have been audited this year.
“By right, all the affiliates present during the elections should have been allowed to cast their votes instead of just calling it off. In fact, all affiliates still part of KLHA should have been included, not excluded.
“Our office was not notified that the elections would be postponed, and we have yet to receive any formal complaint letters from KLHA regarding the alleged forgery in the nomination forms. Hence, we assume that all is fine for now.
“Since KLHA has cancelled the elections, we at the Sports Commissioner’s office cannot do anything about it and cannot intervene by suggesting a new date. It is now up to them to set a new date for the elections,” said Suhardi when contacted.
At the same time, Suhardi reminded all parties to abide by their association’s constitution.
“We hope that both parties will try to resolve the issues amicably.
“Under Section 23 of the Sports Development Act 1997, it is advisable for the association to address their disagreements through its internal dispute committee and in accordance with the provisions under their constitution.
“Meanwhile, we hope that any differences can be handled in an orderly manner and the spirit of sportsmanship,” Suhardi added. — January 27, 2025