Controversy looms ahead of Malaysian Gymnastics Federation elections

The Malaysian Gymnastics Federation’s annual general meeting tomorrow will see four candidates vying for the presidency.

The leading candidate is Kau Git Kaur (Perlis), while the others are Francis Loh (Selangor), Mike Ng (Kuala Lumpur), and Jalex Lee (Johor).

However, trouble is brewing following the suspension of one state association. A police report lodged on Feb 25 against Kau has also resurfaced.

Kedah Gymnastics Association coach Eddy Shuhairie Muhamad Shukor filed the report three days after MGF deputy president Kau had allegedly grabbed a chair and attempted to throw it at him, but was stopped by other council members.

The incident took place on the second floor of the Casa 4 building at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

“I filed the cover report at the Kulim police station to protect myself,” Eddy told Twentytwo13.

Eddy also claimed Kau was instrumental in suspending the Kedah association and him for organising a gymnastics event.

“We received MGF’s sanction, so how can we be accused of holding an illegal event?” asked Eddy.

Kau said the issue between him and Eddy was settled, as he had apologised to the latter.

“Why bring up this issue now? Is it because I’m standing for president?” asked Kau when contacted by Twentytwo13.

Kau confirmed MGF had sanctioned the gymnastics competition, but claimed it was hijacked by the Malaysian Aesthetic Group Gymnastics Association.

This was, however, denied by Eddy.

Kau has also been accused by Kuala Lumpur Gymnastics Association vice-president Ti Deng Jay of misusing his power as chairman of the disciplinary committee.

“I have been suspended for speaking out against wrongdoings in the association, including the admission of Perlis, Kelantan and Pahang as affiliates of MGF without due process,” said Ti.

“I didn’t attend the disciplinary hearing as I only received the show cause letter at 11.02am on June 11, despite it being dated June 10. That gave me less than 27 hours to attend the hearing.

“Also, there is no record of Kau being elected chairman of the disciplinary committee.”

Ti was suspended today by MGF’s disciplinary committee and has 14 days to appeal the decision.

The suspension he claims is one of many other unanswered questions about how MGF is being run, and he hopes justice prevails in the elections.