KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Karate Federation (Makaf) have been “chopped into half” by infighting.
On Saturday (May 4), 12 breakaway affiliates (out of 22) of Makaf held “their own” supreme council meeting and called for an Extraordinary General Meeting on June 9.
In a letter dated May 6, those who attended the “supreme council” meeting, demanded for the EGM as stipulated under the Makaf constitution.
The Sports Commissioner's office has also been informed about the intention of the disgruntled affiliates.
Thiagu Ponniah, secretary to the ad-hoc movement, said: “We (Makaf) have a total of 22 affiliates, and 12 attended the supreme council meeting on May 4.
“So, we have a majority consensus to go ahead with the EGM.
“Whatever we have been doing, we have been sending our reports to the Sports Comminnioner's office and even though they did not respond, they did not object either because we are following what is allowed in our constitution,” said Thiagu Ponniah.
The 12 affiliates who attended the supreme council meeting on May 4 in Ipoh were from Goshin-Ryu Malaysia, Hayashi-Ha Malaysia, Gojukai Malaysia, Perlis Karate, Penang Karate, Perak Karate, Kuala Lumpur Karate, Putrajaya Karate, Pahang Karate, Sarawak Karate, Kedah Karate and
Police Sports Council.
Among their grouses, the breakaway group are unhappy that after the October elections last year, Makaf’s elected members did not even set up a supreme council, and no meeting has been held since.
“We are also unhappy with the progress of our athletes in preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, as nobody seems to be good enough to qualify even though a programme was set up two years ago towards this purpose.
“There are many other maters which the members will bring up at the EGM," said Thiagu.
Malaysia has been targeted to win a karate medal in next year’s Tokyo Olympics
However, Syakilla Salni Jefry Krishnan, seen as Malaysia’s best prospect, is struggling to qualify due to weight problems.