BERITA Harian Sports Writer Ahmad Khawari Isa became the President of the Sports Writers Association of Malaysia (SAM), replacing TV3 Sports Editor Bakar Atan who did not seek contest.

Star’s Eric Samuel gained 24 votes while Asan Ahmad of Kosmo gained 33 votes to become SAM’s Vice President. While incumbent Hj Alimi Wan gained 23 votes.
(Pix courtesy:Loose Cannon)

On May 31st, 2010 the AGM will be held and a fresh elections will be conducted by the new committee.

Bakar in his speech clearly showed his disappointment by saying that many SAM members are all talk but no action which happens to be the truth as in most cases committee members only talk but shy away from carrying out responsibilities.

Being a SAM member is only a contribution that one makes to enchance the association that was formed in 1984. I have seen people like Johnson Fernandez and Datuk Fauzi Omar working relentlessly and yet they did not benefit anything out of it.

Bakar is right in saying that, “Being a president comes with heavy responsibilities and commitment”. Some people gunned Bakar down in a very hurtful manner but then again why does Bakar have to take all the blame ? Aren’t members to share the responsibility as well ?

Firstly, Khawari has to unite all members and make it more Malaysian. A committee comprising of all races, a One Malaysia.

I was there to witness the election, sadly only 44 people turned up. Are there only 44 people active in SAM as compared to the 450 members of SAM ?.

The new exco must ensure that SAM moves to the next level, a level that brings members from all walks life together.

I am sure where there is will, they is a way.