ZAKARIA SAH GILA KUASA

Zakaria fails to take control of SBA
Terence Fernandez
Sun2surf

PETALING JAYA: Controversial Port Klang assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Md Deros’ attempt to take over the Selangor Badminton Association (SBA) office in Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur, last Friday was thwarted when previous president V.Subramaniam refused to hand over control.

Zakaria had turned up with 50 supporters to resume his duties following Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar’s decision on Dec 4 to reinstate the 2004-06 office-bearers. This made Zakaria SBA president and Subramaniam his deputy.

Elyas had declared as null and void SBA’s March 31 biennial general meeting (BGM) which elected Subramaniam as president. Elyas said he made that decision after Subramaniam refused to heed his directive to hold a fresh BGM and elections following complaints (made to Elyas) from nine of the 10 clubs barred from attending the March 31 BGM and elections.

A spokesman for Zakaria said he had written to Subramaniam on Jan 3 to hand over the office at 4pm on Friday. Subramaniam, however, sent another letter the same day informing Zakaria that he will not do so as he is challenging Elyas’ decision, and had written to the Sports Commissioner to resolve it.

"While Zakaria was calm and cordial, his supporters were shouting," said Subramaniam, adding that he was seeking legal advice to review Elyas’ decision.

Following a four-eyed meeting between Zakaria and the March 31 elected deputy president Salleh Gomu, Zakaria agreed to leave the SBA office with his supporters. "We will give Subra time to do what he needs to but the longer we wait, the progress of badminton in the state is going to suffer," said a spokesman for Zakaria.

The tiff stemmed from the appointment of a contractor to upgrade facilities at the SBA premises. Subramaniam wanted candidates short-listed from a tender process, but Zakaria insisted on another choice.

The matter was settled when the federal government placed the project under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Zakaria rocketed to notoriety in 2006 when theSun highlighted the construction of his palatial mansion in a low-cost area in Klang without council permit.