KUALA LUMPUR: Former National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB) chairman, Datuk Malek Noor does not want to rush or be hasty in carrying out changes if at all he is given the mandate once more to lead the foundation.
For Malek, a former top national bodybuilder, what is most important is securing funds and finances for the foundation so that it can truly benefit all those involved.
“I am among the candidates for the chairman’s position and if I am accepted to take up leading the foundation once more, I will try to do my best for sure by continuing all the good work that has been done before this.
“Even though I do not know what needs to be done but I intend on obtaining funds and improving on the YAKEB’s quality of service.
“I also plan to begin a new chapter and am ready to work together with all sides if I am chosen,” said the former 6-time Mr. Asia champion bodybuilder to NSTP Sport.
Malek was YAKEB’s chairman in 2015 and he was then succeeded by former national squash player Azlan Iskandar before the top post was left vacant since October last year.
Speaking further, Malek also denied that he has the opportunity to return in helming the foundation because of the experience factor which he possesses.
“Opportunity? I really don’t know. I leave it all to Allah S.W.T,” said Malek.
Meanwhile, another candidate who is also a former national athlete, Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abd Majeed, explained that he is grateful and appreciative to those who nominated him, and therefore if chosen, he will work hard to bring about changes for the better for YAKEB.
Noorul, who represented the country at the 1989 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games in the 3,000m steeplechase event, said that he too is trying to bring in funds from external sources, Government-Linked Companies (GLC) and from the corporate sector if possible.
“We will focus on providing the necessary equipment to those in need who cannot afford it after receiving medical treatment. Even if I end up not having a position in the foundation, I will still help YAKEB just as before,” stressed Noorul Ariffin.
For the record, before this, Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman explained that the appointment of YAKEB’s new chairman will only be decided after discussions with relevant parties which include former national athletes.
