The seven state affiliates that have “lost confidence” in Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) president Rachel Lau, welcomed a decision to involve the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the national body’s accounts.
Yesterday, Lau hit back at her critics, saying she was trying to clean up the sport. She highlighted “accounting irregularities and misconduct in the years 2014 to 2016”.
Lau also said the current executive council will report these financial discrepancies to the anti-graft body to conduct a thorough investigation.
“We welcome the decision by Rachel to involve MACC. However, we request that the investigations be extended to include the current accounts,” said Perak Gymnastics Association president Ng Chooi Yee.
“MACC, being a neutral body, will surely get to the bottom of any irregularities. We believe this will clear the air as we don’t want MGF’s name to be tarnished any further.
“Our only concern is to settle all these issues for the betterment of the sport.”
Ng said MGF’s next annual general meeting is due in March and that representatives from the seven affiliates – Penang, Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Sarawak, Melaka and Terengganu – propose that it be held earlier to “resolve this matter.”
They are also hoping to meet Sports Commissioner Wirdati Mohd Radzi to tell their side of the story. Lau met Wirdati last month.
Wirdati said Lau informed her MGF has taken legal proceedings to settle a dispute, although she wasn’t sure what it is about.
“Rachel came to see me at the end of September to tell her side of the story,” said Wirdati.
“We cannot get involved for now as she has informed us there will be legal proceedings this month.
“I don’t know what it is about, except that it will be this month. I caution everyone to let that process take place first.
“After that, the Sports Commissioner’s Office can provide a platform for the disputing parties to meet and to have a discussion,” Wirdati added.
Early this year, MGF was embroiled in another controversy when deputy president Kau Git Kaur was suspended for allegedly being involved in a drug party.
Kau, who won Malaysia’s first-ever SEA Games gold medal in gymnastics in 1991, has since challenged the decision.
He also threatened to sue Lau for the manner of his suspension as she didn’t call for an inquiry before suspending him “based on newspaper reports”.
He also alleged MGF owed him money dating as far back as 2014, something which Lau disputed.
Here’s a round-up of The News Normal today.
TAWAU PRISON, TAMAN EHSAN EMCO EXTENDED AGAIN
The Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) enforced on the Tawau Prison and Taman Ehsan Tawau Prison Quarters, Sabah, will be extended until Oct 25.
This is the second time the EMCO has been extended. The two areas were under EMCO from Sept 11-25 and then Sept 26 until today.
Meanwhile, four Sabah districts – Tawau, Kunak, Semporna and Lahad Datu – had their Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order extended until Oct 26. TEMCO came into effect on Sept 29 and was supposed to end on Oct 12.
NEW RULES FOR ESSZONE FROM SUNDAY
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced new rules for the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) area.
- Small boats from the islands to the mainland, including the movement of boats in the area coastline to purchase food and basic necessities, only allowed from 6am to 2pm.
- Fishing boats and boats carrying fish registered with the Department of Fisheries are only allowed to operate from 6am-6pm at authorised jetties. This permission is subject to the permit issued by the. district police chief.
- Non-conventional ships from Indonesia and the Philippines are not allowed to the ESSZONE for barter trade and transhipment activities.
POSTAL AND COURIER SECTORS GENERATING PART-TIME JOBS
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said while other sectors are experiencing a recession due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the postal and courier sectors are growing and generating part-time employment as a lifeline for those who have lost their jobs.
He said since the start of the Movement Control Order, Pos Malaysia Berhad has provided 1,400 part-timers jobs as riders.
He also expressed his appreciation to the postal and courier service personnel in conjunction with World Post Day.
DON’T PICK ON THOSE WHO HELP PRISONS
The Prisons Department has expressed its appreciation to Ustaz Ebit Liew, various non-governmental organisations as well as individuals who have come forward to help and donate in the spirit of volunteerism.
In a statement, the Prisons Department said it was grateful and lucky for the assistance, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It hopes this issue will not be politicised.
