Cops to call up players

POLICE investigations into alleged match-fixing and gambling activities involving the national hockey team will begin today. The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) lodged a report on Friday following Malay Mail’s expose. MHF secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff said he was informed the police would initiate the probe by calling up national players.

Investigations may lead them to a character named “Sean” (or Shaun/ Shawn) who is said to be a bookie and an illegal money-lender. Sean is allegedly the bookie with whom most players placed bets for English Premier League (EPL) matches and international hockey matches.

Sean, a Eurasian-Chinese, played age-group hockey competitively in Malacca (See panel story).

The MHF management committee also meets today to discuss the allegations.

“I want to make it clear the police report is not against Malay Mail,” said Hashim, “It is based on the stories that have appeared in Malay Mail.

“While we believe the allegations are not true, we want the matter investigated. The police have the resources and expertise to investigate match-fixing, bribery, illegal betting and money-lending activities.

“So on Monday (today), they will start by calling up players first, followed by others who may have information.” Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also chairman of the cabinet committee for sports, is expected to make an announcement today on the allegations.

His Press secretary, Datuk Tengku Sharifuddin Tengku Ahmad, said Najib, whose late father (former PM Tun Abdul Razak) was a MHF president, was quite concerned when he learnt about the allegations.

“It will be a long day tomorrow because of Parliament. However, Datuk Seri Najib will make a statement,” said Tengku Sharifuddin yesterday.

Equally disturbed was Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaacob, who has been in Sabah and Sarawak since Thursday.

His Press secretary, Ruhaidini Abdul Kadir, said the minister had been briefed by National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong.

“The minister reserves his comments at the moment. He wants to fully digest what is going on and what he will be able to do when he returns to Kuala Lumpur. He will say something at an appropriate time,” said Ruhaidini from Kuching yesterday.

On Thursday, Malay Mail reported national team officials and players were allegedly involved in money- lending activities. The report also implicated a foreign consultant attached with the NSC. He is said to have invested up to RM850,000 in the business.

The following day, Malay Mail revealed Malaysia’s final preliminary game against India in this year’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was allegedly fixed. Several players allegedly bet against their own team.

Malaysia lost 2-1, and India entered the final against Argentina.

There are several other grievances and complaints about the national team, including one player allegedly being paid RM10,000 to play in the Azlan Shah Cup and another player exempted from training on Fridays.

Cheras district police chief ACP Ahmad Amir Mohd Hashim confirmed a report was lodged by MHF. However, he declined to reveal details, such as who would be called in to assist in the investigation.

“The report is based entirely on the allegations that the articles in Malay Mail have raised. The MHF wants to clear its name and has asked us to conduct a thorough investigation “ said Ahmad.

Malaysian hockey officials and players have come under severe criticism following their failure to qualify for the Beijing Olympics and for finishing last in the Azlan Shah Cup.

Malay Mail