WISHFUL MTBC
Association hope NSC will give greenlight on sending a team to World Championships
THE Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) are keeping their fingers crossed that the National Sports Council (NSC) will approve their budget to send a team to the men’s World Championships in Hong Kong on Nov 23-Dec 5.
MTBC president Datuk Dr P.S Nathan is adamant on sending a team to the world meet, which Malaysia have not missed in over 30 years, and has vowed to do everything within his power to see it happen.
It will cost roughly RM150,000 to send a six-member team to the competition.
The Sports Ministry recently made it clear that it is cutting down on spending across the board due to the nation’s current financial situation.
“Usually we submit our plans for the year to the NSC director general in January and we normally do not have any problems getting approvals due to our good track record both in competition and administration,” said Nathan after MTBC’s annual general meeting-cum-elections in Bandar Sunway yesterday.
“Initially, they (NSC) said okay but now they said everything has been frozen. Maradona Chok (MTBC secretary general) is still in discussion with Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail (NSC director general) to see what can be done.
“To me the world meet is sacred, it is why I exist, it is why MTBC exist as a national association. I don’t recognise any president who does not send his team to the world meet.
“We have been winning world meet medals all these years, to me not going is not acceptable.
“I am still hopeful they will (approve). But as I said it is important to go and we will have to work something out if they don’t.”
Nathan added that he understands the ministry’s concerns in regard to spending but is hoping MTBC’s good track record in the sport will see them continue to receive backing.
“I would like to thank the Sports Ministry for their support throughout the years. Without them bowling would be gone, regardless of all our efforts.
“They have told us the same thing (budget cuts) as there is less money coming from upstairs. They have also cut back on staff (political appointees).
“We understand the situation but are hoping that any cuts they intend to make will be based on merit. We have consistently delivered medals over the years and I hope this will be taken into account.”
Meanwhile, the solidarity among MTBC’s affiliates made the AGM a tame affair with not a single vote being cast as all movements went unopposed.
The lineup of office bearers among elected officials remained the same except for Abdul Rahim Salleh replacing former executive secretary Roliah Harun as elected councillor. Roliah retired on Dec 31 last year.
Nathan retained his presidency unchallenged. He has helmed the national body since 1974.
Senior vice president:
Abdullah Kenny Nazmi Lynda Thong