The signs were there. But to their credit, Fairuzizuan Tazari and Mohd Zakry Latif are good at covering it.
However, the crack in their partnership was finally too evident to ignore and Fairuz admitted it to a group of journalists, yesterday. Read my story, here and The Star's Rajes Paul here.
Well, admitting you have problems is the first step taken to correct it. Let's hope Rexy Mainaky would be able to do something to ensure both of them will be in the best state of mind for the upcoming World Badminton Championship in Hyderabad, India.
In the meantime, I would appreciate some help in digging the real truth behind this problem, which I heard got something to do with staff from National Sports Institute (ISN).
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Cracks in Mini Olympics
Truth hurts! But it is always good to tell the truth so we would be able to learn from it.
I realised that I might lose some friends in National Sports Council (NSC) with series of articles questioning the rationale of the on-going Mini Olympics. But at the same time, it must be looked at positively, instead of condemning it without acknowledging the positives that we can learn from this episode.
Read my take on several cracks in the planning for the Mini Olympics, here and here.
I realised that I might lose some friends in National Sports Council (NSC) with series of articles questioning the rationale of the on-going Mini Olympics. But at the same time, it must be looked at positively, instead of condemning it without acknowledging the positives that we can learn from this episode.
Read my take on several cracks in the planning for the Mini Olympics, here and here.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Mini chaos?
I have been informed by few friends in the national sports associations about the chaotic situation surrounding the staging of Mini Olympics, multi games carnival by National Sports Council (NSC) which will start this Wednesday.
Apparently, there are no clear guidelines to help associations, either in choosing top athletes to participate, or general competition rules which is a must-have for such games.
It has resulted in the Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU) selecting more than 350 athletes - with 100m event alone having 16 sprinters - to compete in the games when other sports only naming eight athletes in each category.
Obviously, there are many questions left unanswered by NSC in their hurry to stage the first edition of the Mini Olympics. I know my friends in NSC are trying their best, but the many ‘not so nice’ stories that I heard obviously pointed toward poor planning by NSC.
Maybe Jalil Abdullah, acting DG of NSC, can shed some light to this confusion.
Apparently, there are no clear guidelines to help associations, either in choosing top athletes to participate, or general competition rules which is a must-have for such games.
It has resulted in the Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU) selecting more than 350 athletes - with 100m event alone having 16 sprinters - to compete in the games when other sports only naming eight athletes in each category.
Obviously, there are many questions left unanswered by NSC in their hurry to stage the first edition of the Mini Olympics. I know my friends in NSC are trying their best, but the many ‘not so nice’ stories that I heard obviously pointed toward poor planning by NSC.
Maybe Jalil Abdullah, acting DG of NSC, can shed some light to this confusion.
'Masih ada yang sayang'
Pada malam ketiga tahlil sempena pemergian ayahku, 20 Jun lalu, aku bertemu seorang yang layak dipanggil rakan. Dia, seperti diakuinya sendiri, adalah peminat setia pasukan bola sepak Perak.
Dia mungkin tidak pernah menjejak kaki keluar daripada Perak, tetapi Stadium Perak di Ipoh ibarat rumah kedua kerana kekerapannya hadir dan memberikan sokongan kepada pasukan 'Kejor Yob Kejor'.
Kami sempat bersembang dan bercerita. Apa yang menariknya ialah wajah gembira penuh ikhlas ketika dia menceritakan 'belanja' yang dinikmatinya apabila terserempak ayah penyerang Selangor, Safee Sali.
"Pagi tu, aku ke Tapah, terjumpalah bapak di Safee. Anaknya baru bagi duit kat dia selepas dapat bonus dari Selangor. Jadi, aku untungle dapat makan free pagi tu," katanya sampai disusuli ketawa.
Itu bukan kali pertama. Malah beberapa tahun lalu, ketika aku pulang ke kampung dan kebetulan menghadiri satu majlis tahlil jiran, perbualan di antara orang kampung ketika menjamu selera ialah mengenai bola sepak. Ketika itu, Perak antara tiga pasukan teratas Liga Super, jadi sudah tentu makin rancak cerita mereka.
Aku percaya, ini bukan sesuatu yang asing. Masih ramai peminat bola sepak di seluruh ceruk kampung yang setia dengan pasukan negeri masing-masing. Bagi mereka, naik prestasi pasukan, makin rancaklah cerita di kedai kopi. Turun pencapaian pasukan, analisis mereka pasti lebih hebat daripada pengulas sukan di kaca televisyen.
Itulah wajah sebenar bola sepak kita. Tetapi yang aku hairankan, mengapa tidak ramai mahu peduli? Aku percaya bukan sahaja di Tapah, Temoh, Malim Nawar ataupun Bagan Datoh di Perak, tetapi banyak lagi kampung di setiap negeri dengan peminat yang masih sayangkan bola sepak kita.
FAM dan persatuan negeri sebagai ahli gabungannya, hanya tahu merangka ikut sedap diri saje. Percayalah, aku tahu itu hakikatnya. Belum lagi aku boleh percaya dengan kata-kata 'keputusan ini demi untuk memartabatkan bola sepak negara'. Selagi ada sikap 'aku tolong kamu, kamu tolong aku' sesama ahli gabungan badan induk itu!
Perubahan sepatutnya bermula daripada diri kita dahulu. Janganlah kita terpekik terlolong mahu orang berubah, jika kita sebaliknya tidak mahu keluar daripada 'zon selesa' kita.
Mungkin sudah tiba masa FAM berfikir sebaik-baiknya. Ikhlas, demi martabat bola sepak negara! Entahlah...
Dia mungkin tidak pernah menjejak kaki keluar daripada Perak, tetapi Stadium Perak di Ipoh ibarat rumah kedua kerana kekerapannya hadir dan memberikan sokongan kepada pasukan 'Kejor Yob Kejor'.
Kami sempat bersembang dan bercerita. Apa yang menariknya ialah wajah gembira penuh ikhlas ketika dia menceritakan 'belanja' yang dinikmatinya apabila terserempak ayah penyerang Selangor, Safee Sali.
"Pagi tu, aku ke Tapah, terjumpalah bapak di Safee. Anaknya baru bagi duit kat dia selepas dapat bonus dari Selangor. Jadi, aku untungle dapat makan free pagi tu," katanya sampai disusuli ketawa.
Itu bukan kali pertama. Malah beberapa tahun lalu, ketika aku pulang ke kampung dan kebetulan menghadiri satu majlis tahlil jiran, perbualan di antara orang kampung ketika menjamu selera ialah mengenai bola sepak. Ketika itu, Perak antara tiga pasukan teratas Liga Super, jadi sudah tentu makin rancak cerita mereka.
Aku percaya, ini bukan sesuatu yang asing. Masih ramai peminat bola sepak di seluruh ceruk kampung yang setia dengan pasukan negeri masing-masing. Bagi mereka, naik prestasi pasukan, makin rancaklah cerita di kedai kopi. Turun pencapaian pasukan, analisis mereka pasti lebih hebat daripada pengulas sukan di kaca televisyen.
Itulah wajah sebenar bola sepak kita. Tetapi yang aku hairankan, mengapa tidak ramai mahu peduli? Aku percaya bukan sahaja di Tapah, Temoh, Malim Nawar ataupun Bagan Datoh di Perak, tetapi banyak lagi kampung di setiap negeri dengan peminat yang masih sayangkan bola sepak kita.
FAM dan persatuan negeri sebagai ahli gabungannya, hanya tahu merangka ikut sedap diri saje. Percayalah, aku tahu itu hakikatnya. Belum lagi aku boleh percaya dengan kata-kata 'keputusan ini demi untuk memartabatkan bola sepak negara'. Selagi ada sikap 'aku tolong kamu, kamu tolong aku' sesama ahli gabungan badan induk itu!
Perubahan sepatutnya bermula daripada diri kita dahulu. Janganlah kita terpekik terlolong mahu orang berubah, jika kita sebaliknya tidak mahu keluar daripada 'zon selesa' kita.
Mungkin sudah tiba masa FAM berfikir sebaik-baiknya. Ikhlas, demi martabat bola sepak negara! Entahlah...
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The 'giant killers'?
Che Mat and Alan Rickman's SnapeIn the latest installment of Harry Potter's movie - Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - Professor Severus Snape kills the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, in what appear to be an act of betrayal by him.
I never read any of Potter's books, but must say that I enjoy all the six films so far.
Why mentioned the killing? I just thought Snape is one brave guy, killing the most popular headmaster the Hogwarts School has ever had. All for what we later will find out to be for the greater good of the school and all the good guys.
With the conclusion of the Super League when Selangor were crowned champions, yesterday night (even though several matches still to be played) Datuk Che Mat Jusoh, chairman of the FAM Local Competitions Committee, now has the option to follow what Snape did in order to help local football not continue to be the butt of jokes.
What he must do? Che Mat must first find the courage to convince his committee members that Pahang - the team from the President's state - deserve and should be relegated to the lower league.
Whatever league format they use next season, two bottom teams from Super League this season must be relegated.
FAM was 'guilty' on two occasions - when they changed the league format whenever Pahang was supposed to be relegated. I can't remember exactly the first one, but the second was at the end of 2004 season, when Pahang keep their place in the newly-launched Super League in the following season after winning the specially-designed playoff.
To be fair, Che Mat was not the chairman of the committee then. Maybe this time, he and his members will behave differently. And maybe this time, they will choose only deserving teams to be in the top league next season. No more enlarging the league or arranging special playoff just to accommodate certain 'preferred team’.
I am not a gambling man, but even if I am, I will not bet for it to happen. Let's wait and see...
I am not a gambling man, but even if I am, I will not bet for it to happen. Let's wait and see...
Friday, July 24, 2009
SAM - Selecting A Man (or woman)
The Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) will hold its EGM on 15th August 2009 to elect new office bearers.
My name had - on several occasions - being mentioned, linked and rumoured when the election was brought up as topic of conversation within the local sportswriters’ fraternity. I am indeed, and truly, honoured.
SAM, which was founded 39 years ago, has enjoyed many glorious moments, and I believe, will be able to once again scale the height of recognition, if and when a committed team is in place.
I heard that there are a lot of activities going on now. I would not be able to comment much, for I am not privy to many of it. But one thing for sure, the sudden surge of interest amongst friends to become SAM members again, is encouraging.
Like a Malay saying, BERSATU KITA TEGUH, BERCERAI KITA ROBOH (together we are strong, apart we are doomed?)
The fun has just started!
My name had - on several occasions - being mentioned, linked and rumoured when the election was brought up as topic of conversation within the local sportswriters’ fraternity. I am indeed, and truly, honoured.
SAM, which was founded 39 years ago, has enjoyed many glorious moments, and I believe, will be able to once again scale the height of recognition, if and when a committed team is in place.
I heard that there are a lot of activities going on now. I would not be able to comment much, for I am not privy to many of it. But one thing for sure, the sudden surge of interest amongst friends to become SAM members again, is encouraging.
Like a Malay saying, BERSATU KITA TEGUH, BERCERAI KITA ROBOH (together we are strong, apart we are doomed?)
The fun has just started!
Dance with my father...
Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
and dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around 'til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way, I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me, yea yea
Then finally make me do just what my mama said
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me
If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
'Cause I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
And I'd hear how my mother cried for him
I pray for her even more than me
I pray for her even more than me
I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don't do it usually
But dear Lord she's dying
To dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream - Luther Vandross
(For my beloved father, Mohd Isa Mohd Abas, who passed away on 18 June 2009. Semoga rohmu ditempatkan di kalangan orang-orang yang beriman. Al-Fatihah)
My father would lift me high
and dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around 'til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way, I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me, yea yea
Then finally make me do just what my mama said
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me
If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
'Cause I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
And I'd hear how my mother cried for him
I pray for her even more than me
I pray for her even more than me
I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don't do it usually
But dear Lord she's dying
To dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream - Luther Vandross
(For my beloved father, Mohd Isa Mohd Abas, who passed away on 18 June 2009. Semoga rohmu ditempatkan di kalangan orang-orang yang beriman. Al-Fatihah)
Life is precious! Starting a journey...
Salam All,
I have been contemplating - like a coward who is too scared to leave his comfort zone - on starting this journey into the blogsphere for quite some time. I must admit that it was not easy, trying to pluck the courage to do it.
Which direction should I follow? The safe one - with all the familiarity that surrounds it - or starting a journey into something that will be too alien, but yet interesting and adventurous, for me.
I would not want to make a choice, because doing it will limit this blog into something predictable. Let just say, this is a start to an interesting journey.
In all my professional existence, I am closely link with sports. Thus, it is only natural for this blog to reflect that reality. I have been, and still are, a writer, a critic and - to a certain extent - an opinion-shaper on various issues related to sports in Malaysia.
But I would also like to treat this blog as an avenue to share other things in life - like my love for good books, my fascination with serious movies, and my enjoyment of soothing and relaxing music.
So my friends, lets enjoy it, for that's the only thing I want when I finally found the courage to embark on this interesting journey. Keep reading!
I have been contemplating - like a coward who is too scared to leave his comfort zone - on starting this journey into the blogsphere for quite some time. I must admit that it was not easy, trying to pluck the courage to do it.
Which direction should I follow? The safe one - with all the familiarity that surrounds it - or starting a journey into something that will be too alien, but yet interesting and adventurous, for me.
I would not want to make a choice, because doing it will limit this blog into something predictable. Let just say, this is a start to an interesting journey.
In all my professional existence, I am closely link with sports. Thus, it is only natural for this blog to reflect that reality. I have been, and still are, a writer, a critic and - to a certain extent - an opinion-shaper on various issues related to sports in Malaysia.
But I would also like to treat this blog as an avenue to share other things in life - like my love for good books, my fascination with serious movies, and my enjoyment of soothing and relaxing music.
So my friends, lets enjoy it, for that's the only thing I want when I finally found the courage to embark on this interesting journey. Keep reading!
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