KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- The Youth and Sports Ministry today dismissed a news report implying that its minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was trying to impose his influence on how the Kelantan Football Association (KAFA) should be run.
In a statement issued today, the ministry's corporate communications unit clarified that a meeting between Syed Saddiq and former Election Commission (EC) chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman revolved on discussions on recent proposals to lower the voting age from 21 to 18.
The ministry was disappointed with the news report published by a daily, which it said implied that politicians were trying to exert their influence on Malaysian sports, adding that the minister, and politicians in general, were not meddling.
In view of this, the ministry hoped certain quarters would cease issuing such statements through the media or via other mediums.
“All parties and stakeholders should first refer to ministry representatives for clarification. The ministry is always contactable for these purposes,” the statement read.
The news report claimed that in their meeting, Abdul Rashid and Syed Saddiq had discussed matters relating to the future of Kelantan football.
Abdul Rashid, who is Kota Bharu Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU) division chief, is reported to have shown interest in KAFA's presidency, following the resignation of Bibi Ramjani Ilias Khan recently.
KAFA will hold an extraordinary general meeting on July 6 in Kota Bharu to elect its new president, vice-president and executive council members.
-- BERNAMA
