KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Rugby Union (MRU) has expressed that it hopes for the individual who allegedly misappropriated funds belonging to the union to be charged soon.
MRU president Amir Amri Mohamad said the impact of the individual’s breach of trust has not only tarnished the image of the national body but has also affected its financial resources directly and indirectly since it hindered efforts to seek sponsorships.
“We hope the individual involved in the case will be charged soon because the incident had a big impact in terms of financial resources and assistance provided to MRU.
“If no action is taken, it would seem like we are not taking any actions.
“I am confident and believe the police will carry out a thorough investigation,” he told Bernama at the closing ceremony of the 2024 MRU Seminar held at Wisma OCM, here today.
In December 2022, MRU lodged a police report regarding a breach of trust related to the handling the parent body’s bank account. The incident is believed to have taken place on December 6, 2022.
The case, in which the actual amount is unknown for now, is suspected to have been committed by one of its employees. The person is now not contactable nor traceable.
The staff is suspected to have forged the union president and honourary treasurer’s signatures to include his name as one of the cheque signatories. The individual later forged signatures to make cash withdrawals from the bank.
Meanwhile, Amir said MRU has agreed on a new directive allowing players to register for only one state league competition for 2024.
He said that the move was to prevent players from playing in two state leagues at the same time. It would also allow the respective states to identify new talented players who can be groomed to play at a higher level.
“If we restrict players to play in only one state league, there is an opportunity for more new players to come through the ranks and would allow them to showcase their talent. We see the move as a positive step forward.
“We have to try out new ways to see if such a move can bring about a positive impact. If it is successful, we will continue,” he said.
He added that the union would also discuss the proposed move with its affiliates from time to time, including setting up a mechanism that can benefit the state associations and players. – April 28, 2024