Friday, July 03, 2009

SCAPEGOAT OR SCAPESWINE?


The first mistake are theirs who commit them, the second are theirs that permit them. Every man is the architect of his own life. He builds it just the way he wants it. However, after he has built what he wants, he sometimes decides that he doesn't like what he has built and looks for someone or something to blame instead of changing himself.

What is the government’s official stand on holding sports competitions in the country in wake of the swine flu (have to support Rais by using this as we are from NS)?

A clarification is required as the swine is being used to cover up the incompetence of some officials helming the national sports associations.

On one hand we withdraw teams from participating in tournaments held overseas, the participation of the Under 16 Hockey Team and the Asian Youth Games in Singapore the classic examples. Yet we allow the Malaysian Open (badminton), Junior World Cup (Hockey), KL Marathon (athletics) to be held.

But the coup de grace was FAM announcing the cancellation of the Merdeka Tournament, in order to avoid exposing fans to the risk of the swine flu.

FAM is said to be awaiting a formal letter from the Ministry of Health to officially confirm the cancellation of the Merdeka Tournament.

It is so easy to blame a swine for all the ills and to cover the incompetence. It was reported that Singapore and Indonesia had confirmed their participation, so what about the other teams, was there a timely invitation. Or was there going to be a case of collecting some foreigners from Chow Kit and ask them to play under a banner?

If there is a genuine concern on the part of the FAM, then please cancel the match against Manchester United to prove that it was not due to other factors that the Merdeka Tournament is being cancelled.

For the Man United match we can expect the influx of foreign fans, and with some 80,000 expected to fill the National Stadium, the risk is far higher as we probably will not get that number of fans for the Merdeka Tournament.

And while we are at it, lets blame the swine, and in the process protect the teams that want to withdraw due to financial reasons from the Malaysia Cup, by deciding not to proceed with the Malaysia Cup when the league comes to an end.

Well, another suggestion, a master piece, lets seal of FAM and close football activities, for at least we will not see coach Rajagobal sacked for not achieving the KPI/target set by FAM and withdraw the team from the SEA Games as well.

Another thing, the fan attendance at the M-League matches has dwindled to worrying levels, but there is an escape clause, you do not need to be a rocket scientist to figure this one out, yes blame the swine, though the numbers were dwindling before the swine made an appearance.

To other sports associations, learn from FAM on how to blame the swine....