PETALING JAYA, May 11 — Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) treasurer Datuk N. Radhakrishnan absolved himself from being responsible for the national body’s inability to raise funds as it now has a RM2.6 million debt.

Instead, the businessman slammed the present office bearers for their lackadaisical attitude in raising funds for the confederation.

Mailsport learnt MHC owed Radhakrishnan RM90,000, former national team manager George Kohsy RM80,000, various hotels some RM350,000 and several state associations, among others. 

MHC were also promised grants and sponsorships including from the Prime Minister’s Department and National Sports Council (NSC) amounting to more than RM700,000 but have yet to receive them. MHC has 14 elected office bearers.

“Don’t point fingers at me as I was appointed and I am merely an executor on policies and decisions made by the office bearers,” said Radhakrishnan.

“There were no new sponsors since my posting in April last year. No one went out in search of funds despite knowing we were in need of money.”

“Minus what is outstanding to MHC (RM700,000), we still need some RM1.9 million and the figure is increasing due to monthly expenses and salaries.”

Radhakrishnan said MHC’s expenditure varies between RM5 million and RM8 million annually. The national body receives RM2 million from NSC and RM2.6 million from existing sponsors.

MHC president Tengku Abdullah Shah pledged to clear all arrears before he vacates his post on Wednesday but Radhakrishnan believes the new office bearers will be tasked to balance the books. 

Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal replaces Tengku Abdullah as president.

“It’s only a few days away and you can’t expect more from Tengku Abdullah. It is unfair to keep going back to him for money.”

“Tengku Abdullah has brought in funds in the past but we cannot expect one individual to be responsible doing so. He paid RM200,000 in bonuses to players and cleared money owed to MHC secretary Datuk Johari Aziz and Hyatt Regency,” he said.

Radhakrishnan said Tengku Abdullah is fully aware of MHC’s financial standing.

“I have discussed this matter with Subahan. I am confident he will come up with good strategies to solve our financial woes,” said Radhakrishnan who will be contesting for a vice-president’s post in Wednesday’s elections.

“I want to play a bigger role in the administration. That is why I am running for a veep’s position. As treasurer, I could only speak about financial matters.

“I am confident of winning the seat and contribute more in a positive manner,” he said.