PETALING JAYA – Kuala Lumpur Hockey Sports Education Association (HockAcademy) president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin claims the current Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association (KLHA) administration views his coalition as a threat, leading to the nullification of their candidacies for tomorrow’s elections.
The decision stems from allegations raised during a recent KLHA council meeting, where it was claimed that several nomination forms submitted by Megat’s coalition contained forged signatures.
KLHA alleges that three out of nine candidates’ signatures were forged by Megat, prompting the association to lodge a police report against HockAcademy and suspend the academy indefinitely.
Speaking at a press conference today, Megat, who is also the Paralympic Council of Malaysia president, accused KLHA president I. Vikneswaran and his administration of fearing he might expose their mismanagement if he were to secure a second term in office.
For context, Megat served as KLHA president from 2019 to 2022 but faced an 18-month ban in 2020 by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) for violating Malaysian Hockey League regulations.
The ban was overturned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) judicial commission in 2023.
“We are here for the betterment of the sport, and it is a well-known fact that I am good at governance. Perhaps they are afraid I will expose their wrongdoings if I become president again.
“When it comes to accountability, I am strict about how funds are managed. That’s how I operated during my previous tenure as KLHA president—everything was handled responsibly.
“If they see me as a threat, I admit I am one. They know what I’m capable of if I come into power with my team. I can bring real change to the association.
“That said, I’m ready to work with anyone to get things done. I don’t want to make enemies and aim to lead by example with my multiracial coalition,” Megat said during a press conference today.
Megat also dismissed KLHA’s accusations of signature forgery, asserting his coalition’s integrity and confirming they would attend and protest tomorrow’s elections despite their nullification and suspension.
“Are they from the forensic department? Was the form we submitted an addendum? How did they determine forgery? Where is the solid evidence? Everyone in my coalition signed voluntarily—they didn’t cheat.
“If they suspected forgery, why didn’t they email us or verify the forms before the nomination deadline (on December 19)? Why wait until the last minute to cause such a commotion just days before the elections?
“To this day, they have not been transparent about the exact number of affiliates in the association. Now, they suspend us at will, but it’s the affiliates who should decide, not them.
“This country has laws and rules, and we don’t have to worry. We’ve already signed, and we are sticking to our decision to participate in tomorrow’s elections, no matter what happens. We trust justice will prevail,” Megat concluded. — January 24, 2025