THE disgruntled parents of former riders from the Kuala Lumpur Cycling Association (KLCA) have rubbished the explanations given by officials and stressed their desire to see change in the state association.
On Thursday, KLCA deputy president Firdaus Arshad and coach Datuk Ng Joo Ngan held a press conference to response to the allegations - made by the parents - of racism, breach of trust and misuse of funds from the Federal Territories Sports Council (FTSC).
KLCA categorically denied the allegations and said they have nothing to hide.
However, Nor Azila Ab Razak, spokesperson for the parents and riders, said they were unhappy that KLCA officials held a press conference instead of meeting them to discuss the issues.
"We do not accept the explanation given by Firdaus and Joo Ngan," said Azila during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
"Until now we - the parents and the riders - have not received any cooperation from them. And yet they can hold a press conference to give a one-sided explanation. This is unfair to us.
"Previously, we had no means to ask or discuss matters with them. Everytime we questioned something, equipment would be taken back from the riders, they would get dropped from a competition or their benefits would be taken.
"This is why we wrote in to the new president (Datuk Razlan Razali) and asked to meet. We wanted them to explain the real situation in the association.
"We have placed our children there (under KLCA programme), we have a right to ask questions.
"The only explanation we received from them previously is that 'the association is struggling (financialy)', which is the same thing they told the media.
"Putrajaya (Cycling Association), however, are flourishing and they are also funded by FTSC."
Azila alleged that the parents are unhappy with the non-payment of allowances to certain riders, as well as the general treatment of riders from certain races, among others.
She confirmed that the parents had filed a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday though she declined to delve into the details.
Razlan, who won uncontested during the KLCA annual general meeting on Feb 25, participated in a discussion with KLCA's young riders, their parents, former riders, as well as representatives from FTSC on March 14th.
During the meeting, the parents raised the issues they had faced in recent seasons. A day later, Razlan disclosed that he participated in a heated KLCA committee meeting where the alleged issues were discussed.
Razlan resigned on March 16 due to frustration with certain committee members who he claimed were unwilling to address the issues that were being faced with urgency.
Azila said the parents and riders are still hoping that Razlan, who also attended yesterday's press conference, will change his mind and continue to helm the association.
"We are hoping for change within the association. We hope Datuk Razlan will come back and lead the changes. We, however, do not want these same people we have mentioned to remain in the association," said Azila.
KLCA will hold a council meeting today to decide whether to accept or reject Razlan's resignation.
