KUALA LUMPUR — Newly-elected Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) president, Datuk Mohd Najeeb Abdullah, is committed to elevating the sport of bowling and ensuring it earns the respect it deserves.
Najeeb, who has served as the MTBC deputy president since 2015, assumed the presidency unopposed following the organisation’s annual general meeting (AGM) today.
For the past 50 years, the MTBC was led by the late Datuk Dr P S Nathan, who passed away last week at the age of 90.
“Today is a significant day because, after 50 years under Dr Nathan’s leadership, we are moving forward with a new team.
“As one family, we share the sadness of losing a great leader, but we are also committed to pursuing greater excellence over the next 50 years.
“I want to congratulate everyone who will be part of this team for the 2025 to 2027 term,” Najeeb spoke to the press after the election.
One of the key challenges facing MTBC is securing funding, particularly since bowling is neither an Olympic sport nor classified as a core sport, despite the national team’s consistent success at both the Asian and world levels.
Most recently, the Malaysian national bowling squad made history by becoming the first country to win eight golds, five silvers, and four bronzes at the Asian Championships in Bangkok.
“Our biggest challenge, which we discussed with Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, is the rising cost of running the sport. She has promised to do her best to assist us,” said Najeeb.
“We don’t want bowling to be looked down on. At both the Asian and world levels, we have been one of the most consistent sports.
“We aim to continue developing a strong pipeline of bowlers. We have plans to strengthen our financial position by securing major sponsorships.
“The Youth and Sports Ministry is also keen to help us with their grading system. This will allow bowling to be viewed as a sport that can attract sponsors.
“We truly appreciate this initiative from the ministry, as it will further elevate the status of bowling in Malaysia,” Najeeb added.
Sunny Si Poh Heng, founding president of the Amateur Bowling Association of Sarawak (Abas), was elected deputy president unchallenged, while Choo Yew Kuen was elected treasurer, also unchallenged.
Four vice-presidents—Robert Lu (senior), Hidzir Ahmad (North), Datuk Shalin Zulkifli (Central South), and Mazlan Said (Central South)—retained their positions despite being challenged.
Zamzuriadi Shamsuddin (East) and Rozainny Sham Talip (East) retained theirs uncontested.
The position of secretary-general, an appointed role, will continue to be held by Maradona Chok. — September 29, 2024