THE Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) hopes to include clubs among its members by no later than next April.

Talks on amending the MTA constitution to unite with the Malaysia Taekwondo Clubs Association (MTCA) and the Malaysia Taekwondo Federation (MTF) began on Nov 12 with the next meeting set for today. The Sports Commissioner's Office is chairing the meetings.

MTA chairman Rosli Ismail said talks with MTCA and MTF are expected to continue until December before an agreement on the amended constitution can be reached by all parties.

"The Sports Commissioner's Office convened a working committee comprising representatives of MTA, MTCA and MTF and the first meeting was held on Nov 12.

"The objectives of the committee include amending the constitution as per the 'Akujanji' given by MTA to the Sports Minister, obtain contributions from the representatives on the proposed amendments and unify the existing bodies into one unified MTA body," said Rosli during a press conference at Balai Berita yesterday.
Once the amended constitution is ready, MTA will call for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to ratify the changes.

"The EGM must be held by February the latest as the next biennial general council (BGC) is scheduled for no later than April 30, 2009 for a new two-year term. Two months notice must be given for the BGC," said Rosli.

MTA president Ho Kam Phaw said they remain the legitimate office bearers of MTA after their mandate was returned by the Sports Commissioner Datuk Nik Mahmud NIk Yusof in August.

"Contrary to what has been reported recently, we want to assure the public that we are still the legitimate office bearers of MTA as per the Sports Commissioner's letter. There has been some confusion about that recently and we have not been informed of any changes by any party," he added.