KUALA LUMPUR – The Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (ASTAF) maintained its stand to expel the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Federation (PSM) from the parent body.
ASTAF president Abdul Halim Kader in a statement today said the decision would also be conveyed to the Malaysian authorities to take the due action as provided in the Malaysian legislation.
“As the date to appeal has lapsed, the decision to expel PSM from ASTAF stands,” he said.
The Singaporean informed that PSM was found not just requesting to extend the appeal date but also making unnecessary requests, when ASTAF received a letter last Tuesday.
He said ASTAF had earlier sent a letter on May 20 via email to PSM, that conveyed the decision of ASTAF as well as the appeal procedures.
“According to ASTAF constitution, PSM had 14 days to appeal against the conviction or sentence.
“This request was not acceded to, as it was not in compliance to ASTAF’s constitution. The constitution cannot be tampered with and can only be amended at the ASTAF Congress,” he added.
Abdul Halim further said that the decision, endorsed by ASTAF Executive Committee, was made when its Disciplinary Committee (DC) found PSM guilty as charged after they held a disciplinary hearing on May 20.
This, led to the removal of PSM from being a member of ASTAF with immediate effect following Datuk Seri Ismail’s action as ASTAF’s deputy president in sending a letter allegedly insulting the association to the Olympic Council of Asia and the International Olympic Committee on Feb 24.
PSM was also found guilty of breaching the written undertakings given to the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) and ASTAF on March 14, 2008 which is “to support ISTAF and ASTAF to establish and maintain efficient administration of the federation.”
Ahmad Ismail, who resigned as PSM president last Friday was handed a 17-year ban from all sepak takraw activities starting from May 6 by the ASTAF Disciplinary Committee on May 5.
