KUALA LUMPUR: Sepak takraw in Malaysia will remain divided with unresolved conflicts.
That's the scenario after the Malaysia Sepaktakraw Federation (Mastaf) rubbished talk of them joining the Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (STAM).
STAM had last month indicated their willingness to work together with Mastaf, but outlined some conditions, including Mastaf having an annual general meeting (AGM) as well as reviewing their constitution.
Mastaf president Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman ruled out any possibility of the two national bodies uniting.
On the other hand, he said Mastaf would welcome any STAM affiliates who wished to join Mastaf.
"I don't understand how this (Mastaf to join STAM) can even come up. It doesn't make any sense," said Dr Suhaili at a Press conference in Kajang today.
"How can two sporting bodies be combined? What is it supposed to be called... Mastaf-STAM?
"STAM have made a lot of media statements. They said they will join us on certain conditions, they want to study our constitution and so on.
"We have already conducted our AGM, so why should we do another AGM?
"This is akin to I inviting you to dine at my house and yet you set certain conditions before you say yes. Is that right?
"Our decision is simple. You (STAM) are welcome to join us, but not on your terms. It has to be on our terms."
Mastaf, previously known as the Malaysia Sepaktakraw Confederation, have been accepted by the International Sepak Takraw Federation and the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation as an affiliate member. They are also recognised by the Sports Commissioner's Office as well as the National Sports Council (NSC).
NSC have also appointed Mastaf to take charge of the technical aspect of the Malaysia Games sepak takraw competition.
Mastaf, however, have only five domestic affiliates compared to STAM's 16.