KUALA LUMPUR — The International Sepaktakraw Federation (Istaf) has re-admitted the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) as an affiliate member effective July 15.
ISTAF secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Kader was optimistic that PSM’s return to ISTAF would boost Malaysia’s sepaktakraw internationally.
“Discussions to readmit PSM were tense as I hoped that we could cooperate and foster closer ties with PSM’s supreme council and those of ISTAF and the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF).
“The acceptance of PSM to ISTAF is unconditional but all bodies that are ISTAF members have to abide by the federation’s constitution, that’s all that’s required,” he said in a media conference here today.
The country’s sepaktakraw scene was thrown into disarray after ASTAF booted PSM out in May 2021 for violating a written agreement by criticising the international body following the termination of its membership by ISTAF last February.
Meanwhile, Abdul Halim informed that they were ready to appoint Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan as ISTAF vice-president 1 to fill the position vacated by former Sepaktakraw Federation of Malaysia (MASTAF) president Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman.
Abdul Halim, who held a closed-door meeting with Mohd Sumali yesterday, admitted that Mohd Sumali had the experience and expertise that could strengthen the ISTAF.
“Mohd Sumali’s addition will strengthen the ISTAF administration and I believe he can do many things in terms of development, planning and competitions at the regional and international level,” he added.
Suhaili vacated his position after MASTAF was dissolved. — October 20, 2023