Exciting fights for MR places

MALAYSIA Rugby’s (MR) annual general meeting-cum-elections on July 13 is set to be an exciting affair based on the nominations list for the 2019-22 term.

The final list of nominees will be released on May 23.

Incumbent president Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya, who received nominations from Labuan, Perak, Penang, Armed Forces, Johor, Sarawak and Perlis, will be challenged by Tan Sri Abd Halim Karim and Datuk Wira Amiruddin Embi for the top post.

Amiruddin had served two terms as MR president while Halim was deputy president for the 2010-15 term.

Incumbent vice president Amir Amri Mohamad, Kelantan president Datuk Tamunif Mokhtar and Halim have been nominated for the deputy president’s post.

Incumbent Raimi Yusof, current MR tournament director Fahmy Jalil, Zaki Shahran, SAC Abd Ghani Mohamad and Amir will contest for the two vice president’s positions.

The challenge for the four council member positions will be the most competitive with 14 nominations received.

Among those nominated are former national coach Lee Nyuk Fah, current national sevens team manager Dr Ahmad Naim Ismail and former MR general manager Mazuri Sallehudin.

MR honorary secretary Jamaluddin Salim said the nomination process, which is usually done closer to the AGM, has been brought forward to give all parties an ample chance to campaign in a fair and open manner.

“We want the AGM to be an open and friendly affair. We do not want to do things (nomination) at the last minute,” said Jamaluddin.

“Candidates will, this time, have roughly two months to campaign. They should present their case clearly and the affiliates can then choose who they want to vote for.

“If possible, we want everyone to be more mature about the process this year.”

One big name missing is incumbent deputy president Velayuthan Tan who has not been nominated for any position. Velayuthan is president of the Sabah Rugby Union and the Eagles Rugby Club.