JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 13 — Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah who is sticking to his decision not to seek reelection for the post has yet to name his successor.

Speaking at a press conference after MHC's Extra Ordinary General Meeting here today, he said he needed to administratively settle the amendment of MHC's constitution first before leaving.

"I was hoping to announce it today but in view of the changes, there might be some delay. I have to reserve my announcement. I will identify and name the person to take over my position in due course," he said.

When told by pressmen that everybody knew who his successor was, he said: "Good, they can write, they can speak up but let me find the right time". 

Asked whether such a decision would drag on until January, Tengku Abdullah said: "I hope not...but we want the constitution to be approved by the authority...sports commissioner, FIH (International Hockey Federation), then we will set the date," he said.

Selangor Hockey Association (SHA) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal was reported to have been earmarked by Tengku Abdullah to be his successor and Tengku Abdullah is said to have spoken to Subahan, who has agreed to to take over the president's post.

Tengku Abdullah announced his decision to relinquish his MHC post after taking over from the late Sultan Azlan Shah as the head of the Asian Hockey Federation on Aug 31.

On Arul Selvaraj's position as national coach, Tengku Abdullah opined that he should stick to the junior team "as our target is to qualify for the Junior World Cup".

If the MHC is unable to find a suitable replacement for the national team, Arul who has been doing a good job can, coach the national team until the World League Round Two in Singapore in January.

"We will use his services until then," he said.

The MHC is looking for a foreign coach to train the national team and Tengku Abdullah confirmed that he already had two names on his table. — Bernama