MSC registration approved, STAM issue still unresolved

newly formed Malaysian Sepak Takraw Confederation (MSC) are inching closer to becoming a legitimate body for the sport, taking over from the Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (STAM).

Sports Commissioner Ibrahim Yusof yesterday confirmed that the Sports Commissioner’s Office (SCO) have approved MSC’s registration.

Ibrahim, however, declined to comment further on the matter.

MSC’s approval does not come as a surprise.

Ibrahim had last week stated that the SCO were willing to consider a new national entity to take over STAM’s role at the international level.

It is because the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (Astaf) are no longer willing to accept STAM as an affiliate.

STAM were expelled last year following a fallout between former STAM president Datuk Seri Ahmad Ismail and Astaf.

MSC, comprising the Putrajaya, Selangor, Labuan and Perlis associations, are believed to be in the process of applying for membership from Astaf.

MSC will hold a press conference later this week.

STAM’s position as an affiliate of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) could be affected if MSC are accepted as an Astaf member.

OCM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria hopes the matter will be resolved soon.

“This issue is not good for the sport,” said Norza. “At the moment, STAM are still an affiliate of OCM.

“OCM affiliates must be a member of their respective international bodies.”

STAM’s new office bearers are hoping to meet with Ibrahim, Norza, Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Astaf president Datuk Abdul Halim Kader to discuss the matter as soon as possible.

STAM held their annual general meeting-cum-elections in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.