KUALA LUMPUR: "What's the mission?" "Where's the 10-year vision?" "Where's the blueprint?"
These are the questions posed by former three-time Olympian Josiah Ng as he challenged the newly elected Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Amarjit Singh.
The 44-year-old Josiah called on Amarjit to devise a comprehensive and transparent long-term blueprint aimed at strengthening the federation and supporting national cyclists.
Josiah said Amarjit should look at successful cycling nations, such as Japan, which have robust federations that consistently produce top-tier riders.
"We need to look at successful countries like Japan and see what their blueprint for success is.
"If I were Amarjit, I would consult these countries and develop a plan that works for Malaysia," said Josiah.
"The blueprint needs to be well-crafted. I hope Amarjit can put together a transparent plan and show everyone the roadmap to success. If he's serious, he will come up with a comprehensive plan," he told Bernama.
Josiah, however, is confident that Amarjit — with his legal background, experience as a UCI management committee member and Asean Cycling Federation's first secretary-general — has the expertise to help MNCF overcome its long-standing challenges.
The three-time Asian Championships gold medallist also hopes Amarjit will bring a fresh perspective and style of leadership, noting that the federation has struggled to reach its full potential for many years.
"Amarjit's leadership is a positive step because we need someone with a younger mindset to navigate these challenging processes.
"The MNCF has not been a strong organisation and has had many flaws. I hope Amarjit can elevate the federation to the next level," Josiah added.
He also warned that Malaysia's over-reliance on a few star riders, such as Azizulhasni Awang, has stunted the sport's development.
On Oct 12, Amarjit won the MNCF presidency, securing 35 votes to defeat Yunus Ibrahim (23 votes) in a three-way race during the extraordinary general meeting for the 2023-2026 term in Melaka.
The MNCF presidency became vacant after Datuk Abu Samah Abd Wahab, who had held the position since 1990, died on Nov 28, 2023.- Bernama