Perak Hockey Assoc on thin ice: deregistration looms amid internal turmoil

Scoop speaks to Sports commissioner who emphasises on importance of resolving disputes within association

Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias has told Scoop that the Commissioner’s Office will issue a three-week notice to the Perak Hockey Association for them to resolve internal disputes or they may face the risk of deregistration. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, February 25, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – The Perak Hockey Association (PHA) faces the threat of deregistration if it fails to address internal conflicts, according to the Sports Commissioner’s Office.  

The warning follows complaints from seven out of 11 district members regarding purported illegitimate committee meetings held without their knowledge, prompting calls for the reconvening of PHA’s annual general meeting. 

Speaking exclusively with Scoop, Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias emphasised the importance of resolving internal disputes within PHA.  

He said the Commissioner’s Office would issue a three-week notice to PHA, urging them to rectify their situation. 

“We have received complaints from PHA district members and we are yet to reach any conclusions for now. Our approach will be similar to how we handle issues in other sports associations, by giving them a chance to address its internal issues. 

“PHA leadership must be transparent and inclusive with its members in committee meetings, as it is mandatory procedure in all sports associations,” he said when contacted. 

As a recourse available to PHA, Suhardi suggested they seek guidance from their parent body, the Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) if internal resolution proves elusive. 

“We will only intervene if PHA fails to resolve its issues within the given timeframe.  

“The Commissioner’s Office has its own sports dispute committee, prepared to take action should PHA be found guilty of conducting illegitimate committee meetings,” added Suhardi. 

The seven district members advocating for the rescheduling of PHA’s annual general meeting include Kinta Hockey Association, Hilir Perak Hockey Association, Bagan Datuk Hockey Association, Hulu Perak Hockey Association, Kampar Hockey Association, Manjung Hockey Association, and Mualim Hockey Association. 

Under the leadership of president Sayuti Samat, PHA clinched the Tun Abdul Razak Cup thrice consecutively in 2020, 2021, and 2022. 

Additionally, Ipoh has been selected as the host city for the upcoming national hockey team’s participation in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, scheduled for May 4 to 11. – February 25, 2024