THE Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) office bearers sent a strong message following the arrest of their president, Datuk Abu Samah Abdul Wahab by saying they will stand behind the long-serving administrator.
Abu Samah was detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Thursday for ‘abuse of power’.
He will be detained for four days until Monday after which he may be charged under Section 23, which is for abuse of power.
MACC deputy chief Commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed the arrest but did not elaborate on the matter.
MNCF also confirmed that their president was picked up for questioning.
“We can confirm that our president has been picked up by the MACC, and we are awaiting for more details. I can’t elaborate on why or for what reason Abu Samah has been detained,” said MNCF deputy president Yunus Ibrahim.
Yunus also said that MNCF secretary Datuk Ashakari Abu Noor and assistant Ibrahim Mustapa were called up by MACC for questioning on Thursday.
“We, the office bearers of MNCF, will assist MACC. We stand behind Abu Samah.
“This issue has painted a negative picture of MNCF. I hope people will not make accusations as it is still under investigation,” he said.
Abu Samah has been MNCF president since 1990.
MNCF vice-president Datuk Amarjit Singh, when contacted in Zurich where he is attending an Union Cycliste Internationale meeting, said: “Yes, Abu Samah has been asked to assist in the investigation and has been cooperating fully with the authorities.
“He has always given his full cooperation to MACC whenever he was called to do so or whenever they visited the MNCF office.
“It’s important to note that he is only assisting in the investigation and has not been charged or even convicted for any charges whatsoever in any court of law.
“With that, the MNCF will run normally. Abu Samah is still the president of MNCF and there is no reason to see anything different just because he is assisting in an investigation.
“Therefore, he will continue to run the organisation. As a matter of fact, we have our hands full as we will be organising the Asian Road Championships in March.
“As far as MNCF are concerned, everything that was done has always been with the full support and endorsement of the MNCF exco.
“The MNCF have always welcome any investigation, which has also taken place several times before, and were eventually cleared by MACC.