KUALA LUMPUR – The Sports Commissioner’s Office has yet to complete its investigation into the Malaysia Silambam Association (MSA) over allegations of misconduct relating to the organisation of the International Silambam Championship held in Sepang last year.
This clarification comes following a circulated WhatsApp message within the Silambam community claiming that the sports body had been cleared of all allegations after an internal investigation.
Speaking to Scoop, Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias said his office is still in the process of investigating all relevant parties involved, and the outcome will take time.
“There is no such thing as MSA being cleared of all allegations — that news is false. The investigation only began a few weeks ago, and we are still in the midst of looking into all the issues involving the sports body.
“We have also been calling in all relevant parties to assist with the investigation, and it will take some time before we can issue a verdict.
“We are also waiting for the sports body to submit a comprehensive explanation report regarding this matter. The association must exhaust all internal remedies under Section 23 of the Sports Development Act,” said Suhardi when contacted.
Earlier, sources within the Silambam community told Scoop that MSA allegedly hosted the 2024 championship without approval from the International Silambam Federation (ISF) — the sport’s global governing body.
According to one insider, the tournament — which received RM44,800 in funding from the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) — was not sanctioned by the ISF and was allegedly conducted under its name without authorisation.
Scoop has also seen purported evidence suggesting that members of MSA’s current administration forged an invitation letter to attract participation from athletes in Portugal, falsely naming ISF’s secretary-general as the signatory.
It was further alleged that MSA charged international athletes and officials USD250 (RM1,064) to participate in the event, while local participants paid between RM350 and RM400. Some payment receipts were reportedly issued without an official letterhead.
It is also believed that the ISF has since lodged a police report in India, issued a legal notice demanding USD16,000 (RM69,700) in compensation for the alleged misuse of its name, and contacted KBS urging action against MSA.
When contacted by Scoop, MSA president Dr M. Suraess confirmed that the association is pursuing legal action against ISF.
Suraess insisted that there is no obligation for MSA to seek ISF’s approval to organise an international tournament, arguing that the body is inactive and lacks recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Checks by Scoop found that while ISF claims to have 10 affiliates globally, it is only registered in India and is not recognised by the IOC.
Suraess added that MSA is prepared to meet with the Sports Commissioner’s Office to clarify matters and defend the integrity of the association.
Last year’s championship saw participation from several countries — including India, Sri Lanka, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — with around 250 Malaysian athletes also taking part. – June 19, 2025