Former hockey international I. Vikneswaran insists he should not be penalised for questioning on Facebook the rationale for hosting a brass band competition at the hockey turf in Pantai.
Vikneswaran, who is Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association development committee chairman, has been “Severally Reprimanded” (severely reprimanded) by the disciplinary committee after he made the posting on July 31 regarding the Kuala Lumpur International Youth Marching Band Competition 2018 at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium.
After a hearing last week, the committee wrote via email to Vikneswaran notifying him of the decision. The letter, dated Sept 4, was signed by the committee chairman Mej (R) Raj Kumar.

The committee, had among others, said Vickeswaran’s comments had put KLHA “in bad light” and found him “guilty of misconduct resulting in bringing disrepute to Kuala Lumpur (Hockey) Association”.
“I stand by what I posted on Facebook. In my posting I did not take issue with KLHA,” said Vikneswaran.
“I merely questioned the basis for allowing the brass band competition on a dedicated hockey turf.”
“I will reply to the disciplinary committee’s letter. I commented for the love of the sport and nothing else,” he added.
KLHA secretary V. Rajamanickam had earlier brushed aside Vikneswaran’s Facebook comments, calling it a “non-issue”.
He was quoted by Twentytwo13 on Aug 1 as saying: “KLHA manages the stadium on behalf of City Hall but the local council, being owner of the stadium, has every right to rent out the venue.”

Rajamanickam added the stadium has hosted the marching band competition for the past five years and the turf was not damaged as competitors wear rubber shoes.