PETALING JAYA, May 11  — Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) president-elect Datuk Subahan Kamal turned the heat on treasurer Datuk N. Radhakrishnan over the national’s body accounts, warning those elected on Wednesday that “there will be no free rides”.

“As treasurer, Radhakrishnan should be responsible in ensuring the books are balanced. We only spoke about amount owed and nothing else,” he said.

“I’ll be happy if the debt is cleared (before the new office bearers take over) so we could move onto management matters and see how we can lift the standard of our game. But if the debt is not cleared, then it will be our duty to look into it.”

Subahan will replace Tengku Abdullah Shah as president on Wednesday.

While hoping he will be able to start his term without any financial woes, the Selangor HA president stressed the need for a good set of office bearers.

“The buck is always passed to the president but that is not how MHC will operate after the annual general meeting. There will be no free rides.”

“All office bearers must share responsibility. Why is everyone standing still and expecting Tengku Abdullah to clear the debts?”

Subahan said MHC is in dire need of corporate figures with sound accounting knowledge. He also said the deputy president will play a more active role in the national body.

“The delegates must choose wisely. It is not about individuals anymore. They must vote those who can contribute and work as a team.”

It is of no secret Subahan would enjoy George Koshy’s company for the coming term. Koshy, who takes on Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad for the senior vice president’s post, has close to 30 years of experience in auditing and is Ernst & Young head of transaction advisory services. 

Subahan has also voiced support for Dr S. Shamala for the deputy president’s post.

Koshy believes Malaysian hockey is a world recognisable brand and its value must be enhanced to remain relevant globally.

“Is hockey worth saving or should we allow it to self-destruct and then press the refresh button? I think we cannot afford the latter as we will be left behind,” said Koshy.

“Trying to catch up will be a tremendous challenge. Malaysian hockey is an internationally recognised brand, the most successful team sport in Malaysia. We need to enhance its value for it to remain relevant on the world stage