Wednesday March 7, 2007
All the right steps taken
MALAYSIA, for the first time, took part in the ice hockey programme in the Asian Winter Games in Changchun from Jan 28-Feb 4.
The team, led by chef de mission Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, raised their own funds to participate in the Games. Malaysia finished eighth in the Games.
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Intent: Elyas (second from left) and Khas president Mohamed Zaki Abdul Wahab (left) watching the finals of the World Ice Hockey 5s.
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Since the contingent's return, there have been several allegations hurled at the Malaysian team.
Kelab Hoki Ais Saga (Khas) secretary Susan Loh relates to StarMetro the circumstances that led to Malaysia's participation in the Asian Winter Games.
Jan 16, 2006: Kelab Hoki Ais Saga (Khas) decides to register the Malaysia Ice Hockey Association (MIHA) with the Sports Commissioner's office. The reason is to develop and promote ice hockey in Malaysia. As required by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), there was a need to have a national ice hockey association to regulate and promote the game. The registration forms are submitted to the Sports Commissioner's office.
Jan 20, 2006: Submitted the amended registration forms to the Sports Commissioner's office as advised by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar.
Feb 28, 2006: MIHA pro-tem president Datuk Lee Hwa Beng holds a meeting with Elyas regarding the registration of MIHA.
Mar 6, 2006: A letter is written to Elyas concerning MIHA registration but there is no reply from the Sports Commissioner.
May 5-9, 2006: World Ice Hockey 5s is held at the Sunway Pyramid Ice Rink. The organisers are Khas. Elyas commends Khas for their efforts in grooming young ice hockey players. He also congratulates Khas for making the championships a success with 59 teams from 13 countries taking part in the six-day championships. Elyas also meets with Lee and advises the latter to obtain the international recognition first and affiliation with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
May 10, 2006: Khas writes to the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) regarding the Sports Commissioner’s advice.
June 12, 2006: The MIHA pro tem committee writes to Elyas and the Sports Commissioner’s office concerning MIHA registration. No reply from the Sports Commissioner’s Office.
Aug 7, 2006: Submits letter to Elyas regarding MIHA. In the letter, it highlighted Khas's development programmes and the desire to participate in the 2007 Asian Winter Games. No reply from the Sports Commissioner’s Office.
Nov 1, 2006: Writes to Elyas, Sport Commissioner’s office informing that the IIHF had approved MIHA's application. MIHA pro-tem president Lee hands over a letter dated Oct 10, 2006 from IIHF to Elyas.
Nov, 2006: Khas, with Lee playing an active role, organises a fund raising campaign to participate in the Asian Winter Games. Several sponsors including Dexion Asia, Sunway Pyramid, Sports Planet, Air China and Winter Time come forward to support the Malaysian contingent.
Dec 19, 2006: Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai launches Khas' fund raising programme at Sunway Pyramid.
Jan 19, 2007: Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai hands over the Jalur Gemilang to the Malaysian contingent.
Jan 20, 2007: The Malaysian contingent leave for Changchun, China for the Asian Winter Games.
Jan 28, 2007: IIHF president Rese Fasel and secretary-general Horst Lichtner meet Lee and Loh in Changchun and congratulate them for taking part in the Asian Winter Games.
Feb 6, 2007: The Malaysian contingent returns from Changchun.
