KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur Amateur Swimming Association (PRAKL) have expressed their dissatisfaction with Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) regarding their handling of the national swimming programme.
In a letter to MAS, PRAKL president Teo Mua Seng claimed that MAS lacked transparency and communication with affiliates when making important decisions for the swimming programme.
PRAKL distributed the letter - dated Jan 31 - to media outlets today.
"First and foremost, I would like to address the lack of transparency and openness that has been promised by the current leadership of the MAS," said Teo.
"As a stakeholder in the swimming community, it is disheartening to observe the apparent opacity surrounding significant decisions and developments within the national federation.
"It is disappointing to note the departure of (national) coach Chris Martin at the end of December and the appointment of a new national coach have occurred without adequate communication to affected parties, in particular the affected swimmers and parents.
"Swimmers were left in a quandary without directions.
"Within weeks after coach Chris leaving we heard that national backup coach Zhang Hongbo also tendered his resignation after (the) frustration of one-way communication with the swimming chairs.
"This will again put the swimmers training in jeopardy."
Martin's contract was not renewed at the end of last year. The American had guided the team since April 2019.
MAS recently announced that former Denmark national team coach Eric Anderson will be joining as national coach next month. MAS have also appointed experienced American coach Megan Oesting as technical director, she is expected to arrive this month.
Teo claimed that the uncertainty following Martin's departure had led to national swimmer Khiew Hoe Yean deciding to train aboard.
Hoe Yean, who is a product of the KL swimming programme, has been training in Brisbane since the start of the year.
"His desperate action to seek continuity in training elsewhere to ensure he can fight for a spot at the Paris Olympics shows that MAS has not given him enough assurance
to train in the national team (at Bukit Jalil)," said Teo.
"This obviously stemmed from non-engagement or communication of plans to the athletes."
MAS secretary-general Andy Low, when contacted today, declined to immediately comment on the letter.
He, however, confirmed that MAS are preparing a reply to the letter which will also be distributed to the media soon.