KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysia Silambam Association (MSA) has launched an internal investigation into the Federal Territory Silambam Association, following allegations of serious financial misconduct and abuse of power.
MSA’s action comes after receiving an official letter of complaint from a group claiming to represent former members and committee members of the Federal Territory body.
Addressed to MSA president Dr M. Suraess, the letter accuses Federal Territory president Othiakumar and vice-president Visvalingam Ammuni Nair of operating multiple bank accounts under the association’s name, disclosing only one while concealing the other from the Sports Commissioner’s Office.
The complaint also alleges that the pair removed long-serving, loyal members and replaced them with uninformed newcomers in order to retain control and continue the alleged misappropriation of funds.
Speaking to Scoop, Dr Suraess said the matter was being treated with utmost seriousness.
“We are not going to take this matter calmly. As president, I have already instructed an internal investigation based on the complaint, as this is a serious offence,” he said.
“We will not hesitate to take action against the Federal Territory administration if they are found guilty. Silambam is a sacred martial art, and we must uphold its integrity at all levels.”
When contacted, Federal Territory vice-president Visvalingam outrightly dismissed the allegations, describing them as “baseless and politically motivated”.
“I challenge this letter and demand that MSA disclose who lodged this so-called complaint. The letter doesn’t even carry a formal signature. Anyone can cook up something like this,” he told Scoop.
“We are ready to meet anyone who has an issue with us. If the so-called former members have a problem, they should speak to us directly instead of hiding behind anonymous letters. This is cowardice.
“It looks like MSA has a personal vendetta against us. We challenge them to an open debate to clear the air. Let the public decide who is telling the truth.”
In a related development, Scoop has seen a notice dated June 9 in which MSA informed Visvalingam of a 10-year ban from all activities under the national Silambam body and its affiliates.
The disciplinary action, which takes immediate effect, stems from allegations that he deleted official documents from the association’s laptop during a handover of duties, and was involved in the removal of the association’s official website following his defeat in the July 2023 sports body elections.
MSA also raised concerns about financial reimbursements linked to the website, which was reportedly managed by Visvalingam’s daughter during his presidency.
Visvalingam has been given 14 days to appeal the decision. — June 13, 2025