MHF - Part 1 : "Stop the illusion act".

After an usual period of absence, this blogs regular visitor has sent me a very long article titled: MHF - "Stop the illusion act". Being an extremely long article i had to split it into 2 Parts. Part 2 shall be published tomorrow.

The text of Part 1 is as follows:

"I am extremely concern with the future of Malaysian hockey after reading the article, “MHF Strike Back” in the local daily recently. The article is an eye-opener for most people who are closely involved with development level of the game.

The thought of sharing my view point on the issues and put things in the right perspective is even more urgent after reading this morning papers article - “MSSM will surely take over”.

Over the months, we continue to watch the game being rundown by poor administration and lacking greatly in systematic planning to development the game. However MHF continue to live in a state of denial in this regards. The MHF Vice-President, who was also the former Development Chairman, must take full responsibility as a big portion of the downturn was when he was holding office. Admitting to poor contribution on MHF’s part in the development of game and applauding the development work done by states does not account well as MHF being the parent body failed to take ownership.

As such when we backtrack on the complications resulted by MHF major poor decision-making with regards to the development aspect of the game, Malaysian hockey fan will definitely understand better as to why the game is in this poor state. The list of major mismanagement doubles from day to day. Listed below are some of the major decisions that have hindered the development aspects of Malaysian hockey:-

· MHF failed to work hand-in-hand with National Sports Council (NSC) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) in strengthening the existing Malaysian Sports School system/concept (MSS) which was initiated by both NSC and MOE. This project was embarked to systemically look into development of our country’s cream at early age. MHF failed to acknowledge the benefits of MSS system, thus did not provide any kind of support. The Sports Schools, Bukit Jalil and Bandar Penawar continued not to receive any financial or technical support until today. But instead MHF tried to set-up a “MHF Hockey Academy” not long ago to show what they can do for the game. Looking at the intention of setting-up MHF Academy, we must ask ourselves:-

Ø Whether the intention was for the best interest of the game?

Ø Is there personal agenda behind this?

Ø Why the duplication since a system which already is in place was ignored but MHF choose to embark on the MHF academy?

Ø Can the players /students’ be guaranteed of proper education arrangement and their welfare taken care off with the setting up of MHF Academy without working closely with the relevant authorities; MOE and NSC?

Ø Can the players receive further education to the university level like the MOU between NSC and UPM?

Ø Who was behind this misconception of MSS and why is it still being pursued even after MSS achieved the objectives of the “owners” over the years?

In football, FAM was far sighted and appointed their fulltime coaches with salary paid by FAM. FAM even went the extra mile, taking care of the players’ welfare and granting the footballers’ scholarship/financial scheme while studying in the sports School. FAM could be behind MHF in terms of world ranking but at least FAM is wise enough to support the programme and know that the MSS project is a very positive start to turn things around.

· MHF continues to blame MSS system (SSBJ and SSBP) for the deterioration level of age group development at states. The reason was because players selected to join MSS program was in fact selected thru the age group inter-state tournaments where the cream and potential national materials are identified to join MSS program. This concept which MHF is unhappy about and has openly objected to it in the past. Certain top brass has claimed that this concept has weakened the states development program leaving states with only the “leftovers”. But looking at the “big picture”, it is proving otherwise, the states that supported this program benefited even more as the policy was in place to ensure players are released back to the home state for all domestic age group tournaments. In actual fact, states that supported the program at the beginning like Trengganu, Perak and Johor to name a few benefit as they managed have a larger pool of players in their state program and their cream was given 1^st class treatment in their grooming process to be a top class player. However Johor dropout from this “arrangement” and are seen suffering not doing well in the last Under 14 and Under 16 for past 2 years. The latest state to benefit from this “effective program” is Kuala Lumpur where a minimum of 5 players are currently in the MSS program and KLHA also running their own development program. The dependency by MHF on the Malaysian Sports School for players continues over the years. For instance, it is very evident especially out of the 18 players who took part in the National Under-16 tournament in Germany this year; 7 players were from SSBJ and 8 players were from SSBP respectively. The MSS system will continue to deliver since MHF do not have a structured and consistence programme. The effectiveness of the “NSC and KPM” joint venture has raised these questions on MHF part in promoting development:-

Ø Is this program sustaining the of age group development in Malaysian without MHF realising it?

Ø Did the systematic training and exposure provide by MSS system help groom these players, they readiness was for the convenient disposal by MHF?

Ø Is there a systematic development program other that the MSS program in Malaysia? The states probably have but what about the national setup?

Ø Is MHF top brass having personal vendetta against Sports School?

Ø Why is MHF stance continued not to acknowledge MOE and NSC role?

Ø Why the good work and effort by both MOE and NSC is not recognised and frequently criticised?

· The MSS continues to receive double standard treatment as seen in this year MJHL. A new ruling was imposed so that the Under-19 players’ studying in these schools are barred from representing their schools.

Source – The Star Jan 26^th, 2008.

“KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have created a controversy by introducing the new age-eligibility rule for this year's Malaysia Junior Hockey League (MJHL).The MHF Competitions committee came up with two age-limits for players in the MJHL. The League used to cater for players who are 19 years and below. This year it was decided that only clubs can field players who are 19 and below while the two sports schools – Bukit Jalil and Bandar Penawar – can only field players who 18 years and below. This effectively rules out all the pre-university students who form these two schools. But clubs can use these players.”

This ruling could be due to the fact that MSS players are highly sought after. Clubs like TNB and MPPJ are paying big bucks for their services. We must ask ourselves:

Ø Why is MHF implementing double standard policy?

Ø Why the abuse of power?

Ø Are we creating a healthy competitive environment?

Ø Are we cultivating a negative culture, encouraging players to be influenced with the power of money which is the main cause of destruction to hockey as seen in the senior level?

Ø Which club was to benefit from this arrangement?

Ø What is the connection between the benefiting club and MHF top brass in this arrangement?

Note: this ruling receives much protest and was subsequently reversed. This is another proof of MHF incompetent ways!"

Part 2 shall be published tomorrow.