KUALA LUMPUR: Former national rugby player Azmir Zanul Abdin is hoping to reduce dependency on sponsorship by corporatising Malaysia Rugby (MR) if he is elected as deputy president.
Azmir has been nominated by Putrajaya and Kelantan for the deputy president's post. The national body's annual general meeting-cum-elections is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 2.
The 37-year-old believes it is time that the MR leadership includes representatives from the younger generation.
Azmir is also the chief executive officer of ATF Sport Sdn Bhd, a company which produces high-performance sports tapes. They are sponsors of the Fiji national sevens squad.
"I want to contribute, bring fresh ideas and make positive changes," said Azmir when contacted today.
"I would like to see MR run as a corporate entity to make it more sustainable and reduce dependency on sponsorship.
"I believe I have the experience (with ATF) to help MR do that as I have built from the ground up before.
"I also want MR to implement corporate governance to eliminate leakages.
"As a former national player myself, I also believe in providing our players with better compensation and welfare. This is will increase their motivation and dedication to training."
The ASAS Rugby Club member added that he is open to working anyone as long as progress is made.
"I am prepared to work together with anyone elected as long as they have the same desire to move the union in the right direction," added Azmir.
"I don't care who it is, as long as they are committed to realising the reform agenda."
Also nominated for the deputy president's post are Datuk Seri Zainal Rafique (Kuala Lumpur) and Abdul Rashid Adlie (Labuan).
Zainal and Rashid have also been nominated for the president's post alongside Terengganu's Amir Amri Mohamad.
As expected, incumbent president Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya is not defending his post.
Those nominated have until Nov 16 to accept or decline their nominations.