25 January 2001

Malaysia capable of emerging silat champion

SHAH ALAM, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is eyeing for the championship title in the silat event at the SEA Games in September, a mission which Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) President Tan Sri Muhammad Muhamad Taib feels is not impossible.

He said he believed that the country could win the target of eight gold medals.

"Our silat exponents are as good as any, losing only to poor judging. Silat is subjective and the decision usually favours the host team," he told reporters at the Pesaka Hari Raya open house, here today.

But, Muhammad said, judging had improved providing Malaysia a fair chance of winning the title.

Also present were Pesaka deputy president Datuk Dr Ibrahim Saad and Pesaka secretary-general Megat Zulkarnain Omar Din.

Controversy frequently surrounded Silat and several other events involving the art of self-defence due to one-sidedness of the judges to host team.

The World Silat Championship in Jakarta last November however showed a positive improvement.

Malaysia was ranked third after Indonesia and Vietnam with two gold, six silver and five bronze medals.

"The judging system was reviewed in a Persilat meeting in Jakarta so that points are fairly awarded," he said.

Persilat is the International Silat Federation.

A total of 21 gold medals will be offered for the event at the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 8-17.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-69799421/malaysia-capable-emerging-silat.html

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