KUALA LUMPUR — Kuala Lumpur Hockey Sports Education Association (HockAcademy) president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin has accused the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association (KLHA) administration of hiring gangsters to prevent his coalition from contesting in this year’s elections.
Megat’s response followed an incident in which members of his coalition were denied entry by individuals who appeared to be bouncers as they attempted to participate in the elections at a hotel in Jalan Klang Lama today.
This incident comes after Megat’s recent announcement to stage a protest during the elections after KLHA claimed 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 reporters after the incident, Megat, who is also president of the Paralympic Council of Malaysia, criticised the KLHA administration for bringing in unauthorised individuals to block his members from attending the elections.
“I don’t understand why the elections have been postponed. I am shocked that proper procedures were not followed, and no explanation was given. We’re all left in the dark. All affiliates are (supposed to be) allowed to attend and vote, but we were denied access.
“What’s going on here? They brought in people who had nothing to do with hockey and who appeared to be gangsters, pushing me around. These people weren’t even KLHA staff.
“I arrived with good intentions, checked my name on the list, but it wasn’t there. I’ve been a KLHA member since 2019. Is this some sort of tactic or trick? I don’t understand why they’re blocking members from attending.
“I will make sure to lodge a police (report) against those who created chaos today. It’s a shame that such a reputable hockey association is using gangsters to stop me,” Megat said.
Megat also made it clear that he would not back down and would continue his protests, regardless of the KLHA administration’s efforts to block him.
“My coalition was formed to serve the KL hockey community. We’re committed, and we deliver. We don’t just talk the talk. They can try as much as they want, but I won’t quit without giving this KLHA administration a proper fight.
“Since they’ve treated me this way today, I will make sure to appear with police backing at my next protest against them,” Megat added.
For context, Megat served as KLHA president from 2019 to 2022 but faced an 18-month ban in 2020 by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) for violating Malaysian Hockey League regulations.
The ban was overturned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) judicial commission in 2023.
The KLHA elections were originally scheduled for December 28 last year but were postponed due to audit issues.
The latest controversy has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the KLHA’s election process. — January 25, 2025
