CYCLING: More trouble on the track
By : Arnaz M. Khairul
Jasmin is a former Asia Cup points race bronze medallist. |
ALTHOUGH Rizal Tisin's plight over job security last month had been solved with the rider returning last week to the national track sprints base in Melbourne, the chain reaction to the issues he raised could turn out to be shocking.
The squad's problems are now multiplied by a mass exodus of Terengganu riders, who have sought to take their future in their own hands by seeking jobs in their home state. Riders from Terengganu make up at least 70 per cent of the cyclists under all national programmes.
The list of riders opting out of the national programme in stages over the past two months reads like the country's top brass of track endurance cycling: Jasmin Ruslan, Amir Mustafa Rusli, Saiful Anuar Aziz, Shahrul Mat Amin and Harrif Salleh.
Apparently, more could follow suit if the matter isn't addressed seriously.
Along with Shahrul, Jasmin -- a former Asia Cup points race bronze medallist -- had submitted their resignations from the national programme.
Amir, a police officer, is understood to have taken a similar standing as his teammates, although he is employed.
The others have opted to seek employment in their home state. All have been assisted by the Terengganu CA (TCA) in gaining employment at the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT).
Asian 1km time trial champion Rizal had in October postponed his return to Melbourne, contemplating quitting the sport due to fears over job security.
National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Zolkples Embong, when asked of this latest issue, did not envision any problems after running his checks.
"Only Jasmin had opted out of the programme because he got a job in the private sector. His performances weren't improving but we had asked him to stay in the programme," said Zolkples.
"Two other back-up riders who coach Ng Joo Ngan brought to (UCI World Cup) Melbourne recently, were handed back to their coach So'ud Hussain as they weren't ready."
Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad, who also chairs the track committee, said there needs to be an investigation into the affair.
"We can assume many things but it is not right to simply make judgement. If there is really a problem, we must talk to the riders and find out what their grievances are," said Naim.
Terengganu coach Syed Mohd Hussaini Syed Mazlan was equally perplexed about the matter when contacted in Kuala Terengganu.
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