Changing of the guard

New Sabah Times

ALIJUS … advises district FAs to make the right choice.

KOTA KINABALU: Local football fans, who have been crying out loud, wanting to see Sabah Football Association (SFA) making a comprehensive transformation, may have their wish granted when the State body holds its first Congress cum Election for new office bearers next month. The Congress, which is the first since their registration under the Malaysian Sports Commissioner, has been slated for November 16, 2013 in the State Capital.

 “This will be an opportunity for it to happen, but then again, it is all up to the district FAs to make their choice,” said the SFA Secretary General Alijus Hj Sipil when contacted yesterday. According to him, they are now opening nominations, and that all district FAs are free to nominate their choice. Alijus said there are supposedly 25 districts affiliated to the SFA, however, not all of them are eligible to nominate. “We still have several districts that are yet to be registered with the Malaysian Sports Commissioner, so they are ineligible to nominate or vote.

However, they can still attend the Congress as observers,” said Alijus, citing that the nomination is opened until October 31, 2013 (12 noon). He added that each district is to be represented by two delegates at the Congress, with both eligible to vote. Under their new constitution under the Malaysian Sports Commissioner, Alijus said there will be 15 posts to be contested namely President (one), Deputy President (two), Vice President (four) and Council Members (eight).

 Alijus also revealed the voice of most of the districts that the presidency post, which is currently held by the honorable Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, is unlikely to be contested. “From what I have gathered, almost all, if not all, of the districts want our Chief Minister to remain as the President. They have full faith in the Chief Minister in leading the association,” Alijus added.

 On the rest of the posts, Alijus refused to comment, saying that it is still too early to do so. However, Alijus reminded all districts to give it a good thought before nominating their choice. “They must be looking at candidates who are willing to contribute towards football development in Sabah. They must find someone who can cooperate with all levels of people and must be committed once they are elected,” said Alijus.

 Currently, Datuk Lawrence Gimbang is the Deputy President, while the three Vice Presidents are Datuk Osman Jamal, Datuk Yusof Kassim and KH Tan. The posts of Secretary General and Treasurer as well as assistants for both posts are by appointment. For the record, the SFA was supposed to hold the Congress last May. However, it was postponed to November due to the recent General Election.