KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) aims to rebuild its image and attract sponsorships under its new leadership, determined to prove that it is not a troubled association.
MNCF president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill acknowledged the challenges in gaining sponsors’ trust, particularly for the national road cycling team, which has been excluded from the National Sports Council (NSC) programme since 2013.
While the track cycling team enjoys strong backing as NSC’s “golden child,” the road cycling team has not had similar support in recent years.
Thus, MNCF hopes that private companies will step up to support the national road cycling team, led by Yusof Nasir, as they prepare for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand next December.
“Since 1998, the road cycling team has received sponsorship from prominent companies, followed by support from the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS),” said Amarjit.
“However, from the end of 2013, MNCF stopped receiving sponsorship or financial assistance, particularly from KBS. This situation is different in other countries, especially Thailand.
“I understand that the Thai road cycling team receives significant sponsorship from private companies in their country. Why isn’t this the case in Malaysia?”
At MNCF’s first exco meeting under his leadership, Amarjit said the team critically addressed these concerns and emphasised changing the public perception of MNCF.
“(Despite our challenges), the national road cycling team won gold in the men’s elite road race at the 2021 SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, and the 2023 SEA Games in Siem Reap, Cambodia,” he added.
MNCF has previously been marred by financial issues, including allegations of misappropriating RM1.5 million in annual funds in 2013, although they were cleared of these charges two years later.
Problems with prize money for teams competing in Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) have also affected the federation, with the International Cycling Union (UCI) even removing LTdL from their calendar last year.
However, Amarjit, then MNCF deputy president, successfully met with UCI representatives to provide evidence of payments made by LTdL’s former organiser, Human Voyage (M) Sdn Bhd, to teams with outstanding dues.
The recent exco meeting also involved reshuffling bureau members to keep the federation relevant as a traditional medal contributor in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and SEA Games.
Amarjit retained his position as the track and disciplinary committee chairman.
MNCF deputy president Mazlan Md Jail now chairs the anti-doping committee, while MNCF vice president Norazman Datuk Abu Samah leads the technical and road committee.
Former youth and sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin will head the finance, cycling for all, amendments, and special duties committees. — October 31, 2024