Yayasan Hoki Malaysia (YHM) came to existence during Almarhum DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah era as the President of Malaysian Hockey Federation.
It started with 3 former Internationals such as MA Sambu, Dr Brian and K Enbaraj. The reality existed then MA Sambu had finished his 6th Form and was awaiting to enter varsity and finance was an issue. Similarly with Dr Brian, who was given the opportunity to pursue a Medical degree was in a dilemma. K Enbaraj, then one of the finest fullback in the world felt that his career in Maybank may be severely affected because of his continuous absence from work due to National call up.
These matters came to Almarhum DYMM knowledge and these were not the only cases but credit to be given to this 3 brave former Internationals MA Sambu, Brian and Enbaraj who raised their concern and pushed for the establishment of this YHM.
Then the Almarhum DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah has always wanted something to be done for the welfare of players and the idea was to create an environment where players employed had something to fall back when they retired from hockey, while those aiming to further their studies could find an avenue to seek funding.
His Highness fell if such an environment existed, it would provide a greater peace of mind and the players could concentrate in the sports.
A group of renowned personalities and MHF Officials including some Affiliates set to work out how His Highness's concern for the plight of players could be addressed. And the YHM was created on the 10th March 1992. Membership of the Foundation comprises of Corporate Members, Ordinary Members and Honorary Members.
YHM has awarded many players with scholarship and benefited from Retirement Scheme. This schemes elevating many players in term of education and employment opportunities.
Retirement scheme is given based on Official Caps and this lump sum pay out helped many former International in buying home and utilizing this funds for family and helping out parents.
The Almarhum DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah's with MHF EXCO members vision and and insistence that the Yayasan Hoki Malaysia be created for a better way of life for the Players is without doubt a significant contribution in elevating the plight of players.
All the beneficiaries including myself shall always remember Almarhum DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah and its MHF EXCO members for their caring nature and the concern for the well being of players while serving the Country. We thank you, Almarhum DYMM Sultan Azlan and MHF EXCO members to establish this foundation and assisted us in many ways in our life as players and beyond.
As a former International, I strongly believe that current President of MHC and Officials should create and form a Welfare Foundation for Current & Former Internationals and Hockey Officials including Coaches, TO, Umpires and Judges.
In the towards of the last election, at least Dato Kamaruddin Meranun of Air Asia was very keen to establish such foundation if elected but he withdrew his nomination with other qualified candidates.
Therefore, it is time for current MHC to look into this Welfare Foundation and it's principle objectives should be:
1. To assist in Retirement, Insurance, Death and Hospitalization Benefits for Players, Coaches and Officials
2. Establishing a Hockey Welfare Council to maintain and administer Scholarship Funds
3. To establish a Malaysian Hockey Institute to promote, develop and advance hockey at elite level
4. To subscribe and to grant donations to local or national or educational institutions or other charities for patriotic or public purposes.
As of today, there are many players who has retired from International scene in last few years and still in doubts of their entitlement such as Retirement benefits and availability of scholarships to further their education.
I was told that many just retired former international players were seeking for answers from MHC about their Retirement Benefits but it has been a futile exercise till today.
Hope the current MHC Officials will take this plight as an urgent task to establish a foundation to assist the concern of current and former players with Officials who have served the Nation and brought glory to Malaysia.
This are the kind of innovative ideas that MHC Officials should think to uplift the standard of well being and welfare of players and Officials.
If I'm not mistaken Yayasan Hoki Malaysia is the only hockey foundation that takes care of national players while playing for the nation and upon retirement i.e players retirement benefit, education, and medical.
ReplyDeleteAlmarhum DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah had a vision that for the game to grow there must be a vivid example for society to hear and see how national players are treated. Especially for the youths to take up the game and what better example than appreciating the national players for serving the nation. Lynne Twist the famous philanthropist once said what you appreciate -appreciates.
Thank You