Pressure mounts, MACC report lodged against Makaf

THE Malaysia Karate Federation (Makaf ) are in turmoil as the fight is no longer in the ring, but in court coupled with reports to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and police.

Yesterday, 12 out of 22 affiliates held a press conference, chaired by Datuk Clement Soo, to reveal details of the current situation.

“We have made a report to the MACC regarding the misuse of funds, among others. We are unhappy with the parent body for failing to call for a supreme council meeting since the election on Oct 28 last year.

“Makaf have also undermined the rights of the supreme council members and also failed in their Project Olympic 2020 programme,” claimed Clement.

In the elections, president Tan Sri Ali Rustam retained his post by receiving 57 votes as compared to Clement’s 52.

Makaf have 23 affiliates, but Johor have been suspended by the Sports Commissioner’s Office (SCO) for failing to submit reports. So, out of the 22 affiliates, 12 are looking for a change.

“After the elections, there has been no supreme council meeting when one must be held every three months.

“We did ask Makaf to hold one so that we can thrash out matters, but we did not receive a reply.

“So, the 12 affiliates will be calling for a supreme council meeting on May 4, followed by an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) a week later where we plan to mount a vote of no confidence against the Makaf elected members,” said Kuala Lumpur affiliate member Datuk P. Arivalagan.

The break-away group also claimed that national exponent Syakilla Salni Jefry Krisnan, who is hoping to qualify for next year’s Tokyo Olympics, is no longer with Makaf but with the National Sports Council (NSC).

“Syakilla has moved away from Makaf and is now with NSC, and her chances of qualifying for Tokyo is very slim after she moved to a lighter weight category,” said Arivalagan.

Makaf secretary Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad said: “I can’t comment about the breakaway group’s press conference because we are engaged with an ongoing court case with them.

“All I can say is that Syakilla is still with Makaf, and we are helping her to qualify for the Olympics.”