Rilek1Corner

Tag: FAS

  • Remember This Sylvia Lim Election Rally Warning On FAS Being Headed By Politicians?

    Remember This Sylvia Lim Election Rally Warning On FAS Being Headed By Politicians?

    In light of the current saga involving the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), and the arrest of Zainuddin Nordin, the last Government-appointed president of the association, it is timely to revisit Sylvia Lim’s rally speech during the 2015 General Election.

    Ms Lim, who is the Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC and chairman of the opposition Workers’ Party, spoke of how the ruling People’s Action Party “infiltrates every aspect of life” here in Singapore, including sports.

    “The PAP wants Singaporeans to be dependent on them. But there is more than enough talent in the private sector to drive things,” Ms Lim said in her speech in Jalan Besar. “In fact, Singapore may be able to achieve better results if the PAP would get out of certain areas.”

    She then cited the example of the FAS and how it had been headed by political appointees who were invariably PAP MPs, even as the standards and performance of Singapore football “nosedived”.

    Here is the extract of her speech (watch from 4.20 minutes onwards):

    Thirdly, the WP differs from the PAP because we do not think that the government should infiltrate every aspect of life. The PAP obviously thinks that they should control everything.

    The PAP places government representatives in all areas of Singapore life, including sports, business and professional groups.

    The PAP wants Singaporeans to be dependent on them. But there is more than enough talent in the private sector to drive things. In fact, Singapore may be able to achieve better results if the PAP would get out of certain areas.

    Let’s take sports.  Since we are in Jalan Besar GRC, let’s talk about football!

    In the early days of Singapore’s nationhood, the Singapore football team was a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.  Can you imagine that in 1966, Singapore was 4th in the Asian Games, behind only Burma, Iran and Japan? 4th in the whole of Asia, not just South East Asia!

    In the 1970s, the whole nation was rivetted behind our “Boys in Blue” in their quest to win the Malaysia Cup.  Everyone had football fever, not just the usual soccer fans, but even grandmothers and housewives too.  I remember as a young child, diligently cutting out newspaper articles and pictures of our footballers, and keeping my own scrap book.  We fought so hard and mightily, and had bitter disappointments.  But finally, in 1977, Singapore beat Penang 3-2 to become Malaysia Cup champions.  And I am so proud that the man who headed home the winning goal is here with us tonight, as my personal driver!

    In those days, the Football Association of Singapore was headed by people who were not politicians.  They were passionate about the game, and relied on their own networks to bring in coaches and technical expertise. They even poured in their own money at times to achieve their dreams.

    Where is Singapore soccer today?

    According to the rankings by football’s world governing body, FIFA, Singapore dropped from no. 70 in the world in 1993 to a new low this year of 157.  We are classified by FIFA as one of the “worst movers” down the rankings. What went wrong?

    The FAS Constitution states that all council members shall first be appointed by a government minister before being confirmed by election. For the last 20 years, the Minister has placed a PAP MP in charge of the football association. Looking at how our rankings have nose-dived over the last 20 years, is this policy working? The Sports Minister should be committing hara kiri!

    I am not belittling the efforts of our current footballers and coaches. It’s the structure I’m questioning.

    Now FIFA has been critically looking at the structure of FAS, as it believes officials of football associations should be freely elected.  Just 2 days ago, on September 1st, FIFA told our FAS to put their internal elections on hold over possible government interference.

    It is embarrassing that it takes an international body to highlight a problem that has been simmering for so long.  It is time for Singaporeans to take charge of what we care about.  Let our passion take us to greatness.  We have done it before, and we can do it again!

    Power has made the PAP more and more arrogant. They think they can tell us who should represent us – not just in Parliament, but also in sports, and even in business groups and the professions.  They want to control every aspect of life.  If we become totally dependent on the PAP, how can Singapore be a dynamic nation?

    This election, we must bring the power back to the people.  Send a strong message to the PAP that Singaporeans want to be free from their arrogance, their control, and their threats.

     

    Source: https://publichouse.sg

  • Damanhuri Abas: Scandals Show That High Salary Is Not The Answer To Eradicate Corruption

    Damanhuri Abas: Scandals Show That High Salary Is Not The Answer To Eradicate Corruption

    The trail of scandals spanning just the last decade along the corridors of power, sadly results from the chronic malaise of institutionalised governance when a single dominant party rule continues unabated.

    We had the following scandals, CEO of NFK, TT Durai in 2005, Edwin Yeo of CPIB in 2008, Peter Lim Chief of SCDF in 2013, Lim Cheng Ho of MFA in 2014, Bernard Lim Yong Soon of NParks in 2014, CEO of NKF, Edmond Kwok 2016, and most recently, Kong Hee and Friends of City Harvest Church, 2017. Just to list a few of them.

    And we also had the personal indiscretion of PAP MPs in the case of Speaker of Parliament Mr Micheal Palmer and the infamous affair involving PAP MP for Bukit Batok that happened only last year, Mr David Ong and his married grassroots woman volunteer.

    Now we have the latest scandal involving none other than a former Mayor and PAP MP Zainudin Nordin further reminding the people to seriously relook at all PAP leaders. They are not as clean as their white garment looks.

    The list of corruptions in their ranks and files of cronies as well as their leaders are undeniable facts and not fake news. It is crystal clear now to all Singaporeans that the logic of high pay and incorruptible public officers or leaders are hollow PAP sloganeering promising leaders of integrity and merit but delivering otherwise.

    Will the PAP reform and correct themselves? Most unlikely as the signs are showing the opposite, seen from the constitutional amendments on the Elected Presidency to the most recent clipping of further Presidential powers passed in parliament.

    We are even seeing more reduction of space for critical input and feedback which are necessary and healthy developments needed for reform and progress in a maturing democracy. They in fact, do the reverse to entrench their unchallenged controlling power. They still prefer to trust their own self-checking and the above samplings of scandals suffices to discredit it.

    All hegemonic power feels threatened by the natural God ordained system of check and balance. Their obsession with perpetual and absolute control will become their very undoing. History recalls many past powers wanting to remain so even though their time is up. Eventually they went astray falling from grace on their own highway of luxury and greed.

    Singaporeans therefore must do our part by intervening to stop this slippery decline down the slope of democratic regression happening before our very eyes. The only way to do so, is to put into parliament more oppositions to raise the vital questions that they themselves will not. The longer we delay, the tougher it becomes, as they will resort to all machavillian means within their vast controlling disposal to ensure their hegemony remains forever.

    The stakes are very high. It is about our believe in the Singaporean spirit to rise up to collectively remake and better our citizen’s deal. To share what we have with each other, to not leave anyone behind and to demand from our elected leaders, service and priority to the people and not their vested crony interest. The scandals are reminders of what is wrong in our society and for us to collectively act together as one united people to affect that vital redirection for our beloved nation.

    Singaporeans must realise that the only constant is change. Ours is past due. The People needs a New Deal with a very fresh and vibrant New face of real Hope, Integrity, Honesty, Courage and Humility. God-willing, together we can make it happen.

     

    Source: Damanhuri Bin Abas

  • FAS An Example Of Why Politicians Must Not Interfere With Everything In Singapore

    FAS An Example Of Why Politicians Must Not Interfere With Everything In Singapore

    In the last General Elections, Workers’ Party chairman and MP for Aljunied GRC Sylvia Lim spoke up about how the People’s Action Party “infiltrates every aspect of life” in Singapore, even in our sports associations.

    She said during a fiery rally: “The PAP wants Singaporeans to be dependent on them. But there is more than enough talent in the private sector to drive things,” Ms Lim said in her speech in Jalan Besar. “In fact, Singapore may be able to achieve better results if the PAP would get out of certain areas.”

    One of the best examples she cited was the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), which was headed by political appointees like Zainudin Nordin, who are not surprisingly from the PAP. It is clear to everyone that the standard of Singapore football is not doing well.

    The WP has already pointed out the problem before this FAS-AFF scandal!

    Read her speech here.

    “… the WP differs from the PAP because we do not think that the government should infiltrate every aspect of life. The PAP obviously thinks that they should control everything.

    The PAP places government representatives in all areas of Singapore life, including sports, business and professional groups.

    The PAP wants Singaporeans to be dependent on them. But there is more than enough talent in the private sector to drive things. In fact, Singapore may be able to achieve better results if the PAP would get out of certain areas.

    Let’s take sports. Since we are in Jalan Besar GRC, let’s talk about football!

    In the early days of Singapore’s nationhood, the Singapore football team was a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. Can you imagine that in 1966, Singapore was 4th in the Asian Games, behind only Burma, Iran and Japan? 4th in the whole of Asia, not just South East Asia!

    In the 1970s, the whole nation was rivetted behind our “Boys in Blue” in their quest to win the Malaysia Cup. Everyone had football fever, not just the usual soccer fans, but even grandmothers and housewives too. I remember as a young child, diligently cutting out newspaper articles and pictures of our footballers, and keeping my own scrap book. We fought so hard and mightily, and had bitter disappointments. But finally, in 1977, Singapore beat Penang 3-2 to become Malaysia Cup champions. And I am so proud that the man who headed home the winning goal is here with us tonight, as my personal driver!

    In those days, the Football Association of Singapore was headed by people who were not politicians. They were passionate about the game, and relied on their own networks to bring in coaches and technical expertise. They even poured in their own money at times to achieve their dreams.

    Where is Singapore soccer today?

    According to the rankings by football’s world governing body, FIFA, Singapore dropped from no. 70 in the world in 1993 to a new low this year of 157. We are classified by FIFA as one of the “worst movers” down the rankings. What went wrong?

    The FAS Constitution states that all council members shall first be appointed by a government minister before being confirmed by election. For the last 20 years, the Minister has placed a PAP MP in charge of the football association. Looking at how our rankings have nose-dived over the last 20 years, is this policy working? The Sports Minister should be committing hara kiri!

    I am not belittling the efforts of our current footballers and coaches. It’s the structure I’m questioning.

    Now FIFA has been critically looking at the structure of FAS, as it believes officials of football associations should be freely elected. Just 2 days ago, on September 1st, FIFA told our FAS to put their internal elections on hold over possible government interference.

    It is embarrassing that it takes an international body to highlight a problem that has been simmering for so long. It is time for Singaporeans to take charge of what we care about. Let our passion take us to greatness. We have done it before, and we can do it again!

    Power has made the PAP more and more arrogant. They think they can tell us who should represent us – not just in Parliament, but also in sports, and even in business groups and the professions. They want to control every aspect of life. If we become totally dependent on the PAP, how can Singapore be a dynamic nation?

    This election, we must bring the power back to the people. Send a strong message to the PAP that Singaporeans want to be free from their arrogance, their control, and their threats.

    Empower Your Future! On September 11, Vote for the Workers’ Party!”

     

    Rilek1Corner

    Source: https://www.allsingaporestuff.com

     

  • Game Over, Winston

    Game Over, Winston

    IN BETWEEN nasi ambeng and satay on Thursday evening, representatives of National Football League clubs explored a proposal to set up a café to raise money for their teams. The 24  sides playing in two divisions of the NFL are running on annual budgets of between $6,000 and $16,000.

    The higher figure belongs to Jungfrau Punggol FC, but it is an exception because the team owner is Salman Abdullah, who happens to run Padi@Bussorah’s restaurant. In reality, the average budget for the 24 amateur teams is about $8,000. They are struggling, which is unforgivable, and an embarrassment to the Football Association of Singapore.

    Why so?

    Well, because while the teams’ representatives were cracking their heads on how to generate revenue to keep their sides playing in the NFL, Commercial Affairs Department officers were in the midst of raiding the FAS offices.

    At the heart of the CAD investigation is a $500,000 cheque that Tiong Bahru Football Club chairman Bill Ng wrote to the FAS, who then donated the money to the ASEAN Football Federation. What it is for is immaterial, but details have been reported in the media over the last few days.

    What matters, though, is why did the FAS allow half a million dollars to benefit a non-Singapore football organisation when the money could have been used to help struggling local NFL clubs?

    This is a serious dereliction of duty by FAS general secretary Winston Lee, who is Singapore’s top football administrator. He made the unilateral decision to allow the donation to go to the AFF because he contended the FAS Council did not have to be informed about it.

    But the FAS’ constitution defines the Council as the association’s supreme body. Its primary responsibility is to ensure Singapore football is managed with integrity and not fall into disrepute, the kind of which has got Winston and, by extension, the FAS into a tangle.

    The FAS Council hires the general secretary but when it is oblivious to what its employee has been up to, the roof inevitably caves. Should anyone, therefore, be surprise at the sorry state of Singapore football today, especially the S-League? The dramatic slide from top ASEAN team to near minnows began under Winston’s watch, after he assumed his current post in 2008. National youth teams also floundered and flopped.

    But there is a silver lining.

    With the CAD hauling up Winston for questioning, including Bill and two others, his tenure as general secretary is all but over.

    It does not matter whether he is found complicit in any wrongdoing or not, but the new Council, when it is elected on April 29, must release him. Its mandate from voting members is to overhaul Singapore football and reverse the game’s dive and it must stay true to this mission. This means also ridding what other rot that has taken root in the secretariat and filling it with more capable staff.

    Many were hopeful that the election of new office bearers will trigger Winston’s exit and those closely linked to him. But the events of the past week that culminated in the CAD action, which came as a complete shock, are now forcing the issue.

    My only gripe: Why did it take so long for matters to reach this stage for real good to finally come upon Singapore football?

     

    Source: http://iandecotta.com

  • FIFA Monitoring FAS Situation

    FIFA Monitoring FAS Situation

    The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Electoral Committee (EC), which oversees the processes leading up to the FAS election – confirmed yesterday that the April 29 congress will go on.

    This is despite national sports agency Sport Singapore filing a police report against National Football League (NFL) club Tiong Bahru FC, whose chairman is Bill Ng, one of two presidential candidates for the FAS election.

    Ng’s Game Changers are challenging former FAS vice-president Lim Kia Tong’s Team LKT to earn the mandate of the association’s 44 affiliates next Saturday.

    Yesterday, SportSG revealed that it filed the police report on Wednesday night about an alleged misuse of funds at Tiong Bahru.

    Shortly after the announcement, the FAS’ offices at the Jalan Besar Stadium were raided, along with the clubhouses of Woodlands Wellington, Hougang United and Tiong Bahru.

    Despite the ongoing investigations, the FAS’ EC chairman K Bala Chandran said in response to media queries that there “is no reason for any disruption of the elections”.

    “The Ad Hoc Electoral Committee (EC) has no power to postpone or call off the election of the FAS Council and as at this moment knows of no reason for any disruption of the elections,” he said in a statement.

    “The duties of the EC are primarily to supervise the administrative process relating to the FAS Council elections.

    “Bearing this in mind, the EC is of the view that it will not be proper for the EC to comment and or give its views on the matters which are being raised in the press and media.”

    However, The New Paper has learnt that world football governing body Fifa is monitoring the FAS situation.

    Sources have revealed that there is a possibility of a postponement of the election, preceded by the installation of a normalisation committee as was the case in the lead-up to the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) election on Nov 10 last year.

    The PSSI were slapped with a ban for government interference in a failure to resolve a dispute between the sports ministry and football association – they were barred from football activity from June 2014 to May 2016 – before the normalisation committee was installed and the election was carried out.

    But it is not clear if a similar fate awaits Singapore.

    “In relation to your query, Fifa is monitoring the situation concerning FAS. Please understand that we can’t speculate on potential future scenarios,” a Fifa spokesman told TNP.

    Members of the local fraternity are calling for a postponement of the election, at least until investigations are concluded.

    “Looking at the current scenario, maybe a deferment or postponement of the election to a later date could be in order,” said ex-Geylang International chairman Patrick Ang, who is unaffiliated at this election.

    “This way, the affiliates can have a clearer picture, to make an informed choice in an important vote that will decide the leadership of football.”

    Former Singapore international Seak Poh Leong agreed.

    “This situation also has several implications for Lim (Kia Tong), so there is a logical reason for a delay,” said Seak.

    Lim, a former FAS vice-president, was still in office at the time several of the incidents under investigation occurred.

    CAUTIOUS

    Former FAS general secretary Steven Yeo urged all parties concerned to take a cautious, consultative approach to the matter – to ensure that Singapore does not get slapped by a Fifa ban for what could be perceived as third-party interference in football affairs.

    “If the authorities cannot assess the case by the election, how will affiliates vote? That may not go down well with the international community,” he said. “In the current circumstances, it is best that the FAS, SportSG – and their legal teams – have a consultative dialogue with Fifa.”

    Despite the uncertainty surrounding their leader Ng, it was business as usual for the Game Changers who met up with NFL clubs and women’s football sides at Bussorah Street last night to discuss plans to develop their respective games.

    Ng was not present.

    Harman Ali shared his team’s plans to secure medical coverage, links with foreign clubs, more recognition through higher prize money and an awards night, and training courses for coaches and officials.

    Zaki Ma’arof touched on a business model which could take the form of a cafe and facilities being run like a cooperative, where profits from membership and sales flow back to the NFL and Women’s League clubs to make them sustainable.

    Arriola Buenaventura Alphonsus, president of NFL Division 2 side Starlight Soccerites FC, one of 16 clubs and affiliates represented at the meeting last night, said: “Why not give them a chance to fulfil their plans and prove their worth?

    “What I feel after hearing their presentation, however, is that if they get elected, they should focus on getting the football aspects right from the first year before looking at the business model.”

    Zamri Abdullah, chairman of Women’s National League side Girls Dream Team Circuit FC, added: “A sustainable business model is a necessity for NFL and the Women’s League teams in the long run and it’s good to hear these ideas.”

    The football grapevine was abuzz with talk that some members of Ng’s Game Changers were poised to drop out of the election, but team spokesman Steven Tan rubbished the talk.

    “The full slate for the elections for Team Game Changers has been confirmed for April 29, and the team is looking forward to it,” said Tan.

     

    Rilek1Corner

    Source: http://www.tnp.sg