29 November 2001

M'SIA MAY SEND 15 EXPONENTS TO BELGIUM SILAT OPEN

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The six Malaysian silat exponents who won gold medals at last September's SEA Games are likely to be picked for the Belgium Silat Open championship in April next year.

Malaysian Silat Federation (Pesaka) secretary general Megat Zulkarnain Omar Din said Malaysia were expected to send 15 exponents to the meet.

Based on their SEA Games performance, the six should make the squad, he told Bernama today.

At the Games, Malaysia won five golds through Ismail Darus, Mohd Azrin Abdul Malek, Ahmad Faizal Omar, Mastura Sapuan and the pair of Noor Syhahidda Wati Abdullah Sani and Shalina Abdul Ghafar.

Megat Zulkarnain said the list of representatives would be decided by the Selection Committee.

He said Pesaka's focus for next year would be the world championship to be held in Penang in October, which is expected to attract 1,000 exponents from more than 50 countries.

All training programmes would be geared towards the world championship, he said.

He said a new selection would be made to pick Malaysia's representatives for the world meet.

"Exponents from all states, including the SEA Games gold medallists, can vie for places in the team," he said.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-80411423/msia-may-send-15.html

18 September 2001

Darus, Azrin wins more than just gold

FOUR gold medals in the bag, one by default, and the Malaysian silat olaraga squad can celebrate.

And the celebration was made more meaningful yesterday by the very fact that the two Malaysian victors - Ismail Darus and Mohd. Azrin Abdul Malek - yesterday had downed the reigning world champions from Indonesia to win their respective gold medals.

Ismail took care of Abdul Karim Al Djufrie in the men's Class A while Mohammad Azrin Malek demolised Nyoman Yamadhi Putra in the men's Class I.

Then it was Mastura Sapuan's turn to step on the rostrum with an efficient performance to beat her Vietnamese opponent Lam Thi Houng in the women's Class E contest.

It was gold No 3 for Malaysia at the Pasir Gudang Indoor stadium yesterday and No 4 came even easier. Without having to raise a sweat, literally.

Ahmad Faizal Omar was to have fought Indonesia's Samuel Mallo for the gold in the men's Class J but his opponent did not even show up.

Some say it was a sign of protest over an earlier decision to turn down the Indonesian's appeal over the result of the Vietnam's Trinh Thi Mui versus Nikomang Ayu Ariati fight in the women's Class C which gave the gold to the Vietnamese.

But others say Samuel was injured having suffered a broken bone in his right arm in his semi-final bout on Friday.

Whatever the reasons, the night belonged to the Malaysian silat exponents and it certainly belonged to Abdul Karim and Mohammad Azrin.

Both of them showed true grit to overcome their opponents for the gold medals to add to Malaysia's overall tally.

As Mohammad Azrin said: "I didn't care if my opponent is the reigning world champion. I just went out to fight and in my mind I knew I stand a chance of winning."

And fought they did.

Particularly the Pontian-born Mastura who was so strong and convincing in dominating the fight over her Vietnamese opponent in her maiden Sea Games.

"This is a victory and a gold medal I dedicate to all Malaysians," she said.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78423908/darus-azrin-wins-more.html

17 September 2001

Pencak silat athletes save RI pride

KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Pencak silat athletes salvaged some Indonesian pride at the SEA Games after winning four golds on Friday as the two- horse race between Malaysia and Thailand intensified.

Bambang Priwahyudi, Tuti Winarni, Dwi Shimanto and the pairing of Yusuf Hidayat/Asep Solihin gave some consolation to Indonesia, which looks destined to end up in the third position in the overall championship stakes.

With three days to go, Indonesia is stuck in a distant third position with only 51 golds. The defending champion is steadily moving up the ladder with 69 golds compared to Malaysia's 73.

Apart from pencak silat, a traditional form of martial art popular in the Southeast Asian nations, cycling, judo and shooting were the only other two sports that produced gold for Indonesia.

The cycling arena has become the gold mine for the Indonesian contingent. After a nine-gold collection from the track, the team reaped another two from the mountain bike event in Selangor on Friday.

Risa Suseanty won the women's 1.5km Down Hill in three minutes and 50.59 seconds. She beat Thailand's Kanittha Pratom to second place on 3:52.36 seconds, while Vietnam's Thi Thuy Trang finished third on 3:58.38 seconds.

Her male compatriot Sugianto Setiawan covered the 1.5 km route in 3 minutes and 10.20 seconds, to leave behind the Thai duo of Sitichai Gatekaewmanee on 3:11.65 and Nutawut Patihan on 3:21.51.

Dwi Simanto put up a brave fight against Manop Leewat Janakl of Thailand to win the middleweight final for the team's second gold at the meet.

The shooting range yielded another gold for Indonesia from the team double trap competition.

Indonesian archer Kuswantoro failed to make the SEA Games a double success after being narrowly pipped by Parawit Poliunoleed of Thailand 108-107 in the men's individual.

Contests in the track and field and inside the weightlifting hall ended up with only a silver. Sylvia Silimang added the tally with a silver in the women's individual double trap.

Ong Kok Hin in the men's hammer throw, Darimah in women's discuss and Supriati Sutono in 1,500 meters took to the field with high hopes only to find themselves second-bested at the end.

Likewise, Joko Hanggono could only win a silver for the weightlifting team. But unlike their athletics compatriots, the lifters should come back home with their heads held high.

Joko's silver was only an extra medal to their collection which already consists of six golds.

In the ring, Thai boxers showed their invincibility. After winning all five bouts in the first semifinal stage on Thursday, they won another six ties on Friday.

Indonesia has only two boxers left in the final, Bonyx Yusak Saweho and Albert Papilaya. Other finalists will be six from Malaysia, two from the Philippines and one from Laos. The final bouts are to be staged on Saturday.

The Indonesian badminton squad is assured of another two golds after it managed to make all-Indonesian finals in the men's and mixed doubles. However, the men's singles title will surely go elsewhere as Ronny Agustinus and Marlev Mainaky failed to advance.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78347756/pencak-silat-athletes-save.html

Indonesia and Viet Nam continue to excel in silat

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Indonesian and Vietnamese silat exponents continued to rule supreme at this SEA Games while the Malaysian team too had a good outing.

Indonesia re-emerged as the overall champions after being outclassed by Vietnam at the 1999 Games in Brunei.

The Indonesians collected nine gold, six silver and five bronze medals against Vietnam's six-five-seven tally.

Malaysia's medal count was five-one-four, their best since silat made its SEA Games debut in 1987.

Elsewhere, Singapore collected one gold, two silver and one bronze, the Philippines four silver and four bronze, Thailand two silver and nine bronze, Brunei one silver and two bronze, and Mynamr five bronze.

There were altogether 21 gold, 21 silver and 37 bronze medals at stake in silat. Five gold medals were offered in the artistic categories and 16 in the tanding (combat) categories.

Vietnam's former silat coach Suhartono said the Vietnamese exponents had high fighting spirit and strong mental resilience.

The Indonesian, who trained the Vietnamese team from 1995 to 2000, is responsible for Vietnam's success in emerging as the overall champions in the 1999 Games.

Suhartono, who is now the chief coach of the Philippine team, said Vietnam had become so good that it would not be surprising if one day Malaysia and Indonesia had to learn from them.

Malaysian team manager Datuk Mohd Rashidi Mohd Noor too praised the Vietnamese exponents.

"They have been consistent. They won seven gold in Brunei and have now collected six. I understand their exponents undergo intensive training on a continuous basis to face international-level tournaments," he said.

On the Malaysians' performance, Mohd Rasidi said he was on the whole satisfied although they did not meet his target of eight gold.

They managed to achieve the five-gold target set by the Olympics Council of Malaysia (OCM), he said.

While the silat exponents are working hard to excel, the marking system needs to be improved too.

At this Games, the Indonesians were clerly unhappy with he jury's decision in the contest between their woman exponent Al Fana and Vietnam's Trinh Thi Nga.

The jury ruled 4-1 in the Vietnam's favour but the Indonesians feel their exponent should have been the winner.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to include silat as a competitive sports in the 2006 Asian Games after it is featured as a exhibition sport in the 2002 Games in Pusan.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78424064/indonesia-and-vietnam-continue.html

VIETNAM AND INDONESIA EXPONENTS SHINE IN SILAT

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Vietnam and Indonesian exponents will dominate the finals of the tanding (combat) category in the SEA Games silat competition at the Johor Corporation Indoor Stadium in Pasir Gudang on Sunday.

Vietnam, the overall champions in the 1999 SEA games in Brunei with seven golds, have 10 of their exponents marchining into the finals -- four men and six women.

The finals will also feature 11 Indonesians -- six men and five women.

Elswhere, Malaysia will have three men and one woman finalists, Singapore three men, the Philippines two men and Thailand two men.

The tanding catrgory offer 16 gold medals -- 10 in the men's events and six in women's.

Today, the second day of the semi-finals, saw exponents from Vietnam and Singapore hogging the limelight while Malaysia had a disappointing outing.

Of the five Malaysians who took part, only Ahmad Faizal Omar and Mastura Sapuan qualified for the finals.

The other two Malaysians who qualified yesterday are Ismail Darus and Mohd Azrin Abdul Malek.

Malaysian team manager Datuk Mohd Rashidi Mohd Noor expressed disappointment at the overall performance of the Malaysian exponents.

"I'm a bit disappointed although they did put up a good fight," he said.

Ahmad Faizal, 32, beat Nguyen Thanh of Vietnam 3-2 in the J category to book a place in the final against Indonesia's Samuel Mallo.

Mastura, 22, defeated Evangelene Gaguioa of the Philippines in the E category. She will take on Vietnam's Lam Thi Huong in the final.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78352537/vietnam-and-indonesia-exponents.html

Indonesians reemerge as overall champs in silat

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Indonesia, who lost the overall championship in the silat competition to Vietnam in the 1999 SEA Games, have re-emerged as the silat powrhouse in this Games.

The Indonesians won nine gold medals compared to six by Vietnam. Hosts Malaysia did quite well by winning five golds while Singapore took one.

A total of 21 gold medals were at stake in silat -- six in artistic silat and 16 in the tanding (combat events).

The finals of the 16 tanding categories (10 men's and six women's) were held today at the Johor Corporation Indoor Stadium in Pasir Gudang.

Indonesia's gold medallists in the men's tanding events were Abas Akhbar, Tri Widodo and Fentje Royke Maengkom, while the women champions were Ni Made Arya Dwi Damayanthi and Ika Lesmana Nurgana.

Indonesia blew their chance of winning another gold in the men's category when Samuel Mallo failed to appear in the contest against Malaysia's Ahmad Faizal Omar, earning Malaysia a gold without fight.

Samuel's action appeared to be a protest against the decision in the woman final between Indonesia's Al Fana and Vietnam's Trinh Thi Nga.

The Indonesians were upset with the 4-1 win awarded to the Vietnamese woman.

Vietnam proved their strength in the women's events, winning three of the six gold medals through Ngu Yen Ngoc Anh and sisters Trinh Thi Mui and Trinh Thi Nga.

Vietnam also won three of men's events through Dinh Cong Son, Nguyen Huu Long and Ngu Yew Van Hung.

Malaysia's "tanding" golds came from Ismail Darus, Mohd Azrin Abd Malek and Ahmad Faizal in the men's events and Mastura Sapuan in the women's category.

Malaysia had earlier won a gold in the artistic event through the women's combination of Noor Syahidda Wati Abdullah Sani and Shalina Abdul Ghafar.

The five golds won by Malaysia is higher than the three won by the country in the Brunei Games.

Singapore's Mohd Zulfakar Mohd Ramli won the sold gold for his country by retaining the title in his category.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78352728/indonesians-re-emerge-overall.html

15 September 2001

INDONESIA AND VIETNAM SET TO DOMINATE SILAT FINALS

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Vietnam and Indonesia are expected to grab the lion's share of the 16 gold medals at stake in the tanding (combat) category of the SEA Games silat competition.

All 16 finals -- 10 for the men and six for women -- will be held at the Johor Corporation Indoor Stadium in Pasir Gudang tomorrow.

Vietnam, the overall champions in the 1999 Games in Brunei with seven gold medals, have 10 finalists (four men and six women) and hope to win at least six golds.

Indonesia, have 11 exponents in the finals (six men and five women), are eying three or four golds.

The Indonesians are expected to do well in the men's events but would find it difficult in the women's events as their five contestants are all facing the highly reputed Vietnamese exponents.

"We wish to win as many golds as possible to regain the the overall silat champions title from Vietnam," said deputy team manager Hariyandi Anuar.

Indonesian silat exponents earlier won four of the five gold medals in the artistic category, while the other gold went to Malaysia.

Malaysia, who will have four representatives -- three men and one woman -- in tomorrow's final, hope to win at least three golds.

Team manager Datuk Mohd Rashidi Anwar said he was confident of atleast two gold medals from Ahmad Faizal Omar and Mohd Azrin Abdul Malek.

"I however hope we will get another gold from either Ismail (Darus) or Mastura (Sapuan) as they are known for their fighting spirit," he said.

Singapore with three finalists in the men's categories, are also in a strong position to win gold medals.

The Philippines and Thailand each have two finalists in the men's categories.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78352631/indonesia-and-vietnam-set.html

13 September 2001

VIETNAM AND INDONESIA ON COLLISION COURSE

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Favourites Vietnam and Indonesia are set for explosive encounters in the SEA Games silat competition here, with the former placing nine contestants and the latter 10 in the semi-finals.

All nine Vietnamese exponents won their quarter-final bouts today, while 10 of the 11 from Indonesia in the quarter-finals also got past their opponents.

Four of the Vietnamese exponents are males -- Bui Phu Sau in the F category, Tran Thanh Binh (B), Nguyen Thanh Bach Nhut (J) and Ngu Yen Van Hungn (H).

The female exponents are Lam Thi Huong (E), Trinh Thi Mui (C), Le Thi Hang (A), Trinh Thi Nga (D) and Le Thi Hong Ngoan (F).

Indonesia, who are expected to challenge Vietnam for overall honours, have five representatives in the men's section.

They are Abd Karim Al Djufrie, Lamech Manam, Samuel Mallo, Nyoman Yamadhiputra and Tri Widodo.

The combat categories in silat offer 10 golds in the men's section and six in the women's. The finals will be held on Sunday.

Malaysia have eight participants in the quarter-finals, including six who were given byes.

The two who fought their way through are Ismail Darus (A) and Mastura Sapuan (E). They join Muhammad Fajar Subhi Ahmad, Shamsul Nizam Abdul Rahman (H), Mohd Azrin Abdul Malek (I), Ahmad Faizal Omar (J), Hamidah Jaafar (B) and Syarina Abdul Fatah (C).

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78235086/vietnam-and-indonesia-collision.html

SILAT TEAM MANAGER DENIES REPORT ON WOMAN IN MEN'S ROOM

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The national pencak silat team manager Datuk Mohd Rashidi Mohd Noor today denied a press report that two Malaysian male exponents had brought women to their rooms on Sunday.

"The press report was slanderous as the incident never happened," he said at a press conference here today.

Mohd Rashidi expressed regret over the report which had affected the performance of the nationnal exponents who were competing in the quarterfinals today.

Only two of the eight Malaysian exponents made it to the semifinals in the fighting category.

The press report which quoted sources today stated that the two silat exponents who had brought women to their rooms had been detained by police on duty at the hotel where the contingent were staying.

Rashidi said he had contacted the police officer at the hotel and the officer had denied that police had detained the two exponents.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78235085/silat-team-manager-denies.html

12 September 2001

VIETNAM, INDONESIA DOMINATE ON FIRST DAY OF SILAT EVENTS

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Two Malaysian exponents lost in the first round of the pencak silat events at the Pasir Gudang Corporation Indoor Stadium, here tonight while all the exponents from Vietnam and Indonesia had beaten their opponents.

However, four Malaysian exponents led by Nik Adli Nik Abdullah and Ismail Darus made it to the quarterfinals after beating their opponents.

Rina Jordana Adnan, the only Malaysian woman exponent who fought tonight, and Mohd Fajar Subhi Ahmad also proceeded to the quarterfinals.

Malaysia's Shamsuddin Mohd Darus and Ahmad Shahril Zailuddin were both defeated by the Brunei SEA Games gold medallists.

Shamsuddin, who competed in Class D, was beaten by Abas Akar from Indonesia while Ahmad Shahril Zailuddin was beaten by Mohamed Zulfakar Ramli from Singapore in Class D.

The fight between Ahmad Sharil and Mohamed Zulfakar was the climax of tonight's events with the former losing by a narrow 2-3 margin to the more experienced Singapore exponent.

Indonesia, as expected, were in full control in the silat category with all their five exponents winning in the preliminary rounds.

Besides Abas, the other Indonesians who proceeded to the quarrterfinals were Abdul Karim Al Djufrie, Lamech Manam, Tri Widodo and Haris Nguroho.

Vietnam, who were the overall champions in the last SEA Games in Brunei, also saw all their seven exponents winning the first round.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78173620/vietnam-indonesia-dominate-first.html

VIETNAM, INDONESIA DOMINATE ON FIRST DAY OF SILAT EVENTS

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Two Malaysian exponents lost in the first round of the pencak silat events at the Pasir Gudang Corporation Indoor Stadium, here tonight while all the exponents from Vietnam and Indonesia had beaten their opponents.

However, four Malaysian exponents led by Nik Adli Nik Abdullah and Ismail Darus made it to the quarterfinals after beating their opponents.

Rina Jordana Adnan, the only Malaysian woman exponent who fought tonight, and Mohd Fajar Subhi Ahmad also proceeded to the quarterfinals.

Malaysia's Shamsuddin Mohd Darus and Ahmad Shahril Zailuddin were both defeated by the Brunei SEA Games gold medallists.

Shamsuddin, who competed in Class D, was beaten by Abas Akar from Indonesia while Ahmad Shahril Zailuddin was beaten by Mohamed Zulfakar Ramli from Singapore in Class D.

The fight between Ahmad Sharil and Mohamed Zulfakar was the climax of tonight's events with the former losing by a narrow 2-3 margin to the more experienced Singapore exponent.

Indonesia, as expected, were in full control in the silat category with all their five exponents winning in the preliminary rounds.

Besides Abas, the other Indonesians who proceeded to the quarrterfinals were Abdul Karim Al Djufrie, Lamech Manam, Tri Widodo and Haris Nguroho.

Vietnam, who were the overall champions in the last SEA Games in Brunei, also saw all their seven exponents winning the first round.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78173620/vietnam-indonesia-dominate-first.html

10 September 2001

M'SIA CAN WIN EIGHT GOLDS, SAYS TEAM BOSS

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian exponents are capable of winning eight gold medals in the 21st SEA Games silat competition at the Pasir Gudang Indoor Stadium here on Sept 10-14.

Team manager Datuk Md Rashidi Mohd Noor said he was satisfied with the national squad's preparation especially after they returned from training in Indonesia and Thailand last month.

"We observe that they have improved after returning from training abroad," he told Bernama after watching the exponents trained at the stadium today.

He said the silat seni exponents went to Indonesia for training while their silat olahraga teammates trained in Thailand.

The SEA Games silat competition offers 21 gold, 21 silver and 32 bronze medals.

Malaysia will take part in all silat events except the men's and women's solo category in the silat seni to protest against the International Silat Federation's move to introduce new rules in the two events.

Malaysia's best show in the SEA Games silat competition was in Manila in 1991 where they won five gold medals.

Two years ago in Brunei, they won three golds.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78049600/msia-can-win-eight.html

Jufri makes golden promise

"THE hair and the beard will go completely if my team wins three gold medals at the silat seni competition."

That's the promise of Malaysian team manager Othman Jufri three days before the silat competition begins at the Pasir Gudang Indoor Stadium on Tuesday.

And he believes his athletes will be able to make him pay, albeit with his hair and beard.

"Things have gone so well for us in the past two months and I am confident they will deliver the three golds we are looking for," he said yesterday.

Norshidawati Abdullah and Salina Abdul Ghafar are his pick to win the women's doubles while Ahmad Faisal Omar is tipped to win in the men's solo.

All in all Malaysia are looking at six gold medals in silat - three in pencak silat and three in seni silat.

Othman's confidence stems from the fact that his charges have been able to perform so confidently in the last two days of training at the venue proper.

"It's a rare occasion to be able to train at the venue. We have had two days working out there and the exponents felt good.

"They like the new mat and are quite comfortable with it," said Othman.

But unlike the Malaysian silat seni team, the others have not been able to get to use the venue yet and it looks unlikely that the secretariat will allow any team to train there with the competition only three days away.

"It's a rule that no other team can train at the venue. Also, we were denied permission to train at the venue during the previous Sea Games in Brunei," said Othman.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-78051485/jufri-makes-golden-promise.html

05 September 2001

LACK OF EXPERIENCE NO BARRIER, SAYS GUTSY SITI SUKMAH

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Siti Sukmah Buang admits to being a little nervous about making her SEA Games debut but says a fight is only won or lost on the combat floor.

"I think whoever can take control on stage will have an advantage," said Siti Sukmah who will be representing Malaysia for the first time in the Class D silat olahraga.

When met at a training session here today, the gutsy Siti Sukmah, 21, said her target was to win a gold.

Siti Sukmah, a final year accounting student at Institut Yayasan Alor Gajah in Melaka, took up silat at the age of nine, following in the footsteps of her silat instructor father Buang Osman.

She represented Melaka at the Malaysia Games in Selangor in 1998 and in Penang in 2000, winning the gold on both occasions.

Armed with fighting spirit and thorough preparations, Siti Sukmah is ready for battle despite her lack of international experience.

"I have watched video recordings of several SEA Games competitions to learn about the opponents' style and pace," she said.

She joined the national silat squad in September last year after competing in the national championship at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium in Cheras.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-77852407/lack-experience-no-barrier.html

21 August 2001

Deadly yet graceful silat

Besides the beat of the kompang and the glittering bunga manggar, no traditional Malay wedding is complete without a silat performance.

However, silat, a generic term for the martial arts of Malaysia, south Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and south Philippines, is not only limited to ceremonial receptions.

"It can be deadly and it is deadly," says National Silat Federation of Malaysia (Pesaka) secretary-general Megat Zulkarnain Omardin.

It is also known as penchak silat in Indonesia, where penchak means body movements while silat, the application and use of movements during the actual fight.

Whichever way you look at it, silat has been labelled as a "Jack of all trades" as it packs in the power of karate and Thai boxing, the sensitivity of kungfu and the throws of ju-jitsu.

Silat has its roots as far back as 6 AD when it was formalised as a combative system. So powerful was silat that the SriVijaya and Majapahit empires were able to expand their influence beyond their shores.

Even the Dutch, who colonised the Indonesian archipelago in the 17th century, couldn't disregard its threat, leading to a total ban on silat.

This resulted in the local populace going underground to practise the art until the country gained independence in 1949.

Basically, silat has four roles: to develop mental fortitude; to build one's personality and develop noble characteristics; for self-defence as well as a cultural enrichment as it combines physical movements with music.

"Silat not only helps to develop self discipline and self confidence, it also helps to promote the richness of the Asian heritage and strengthens the brotherhood among its practitioners," says Megat Zulkarnain.

Then again, silat is a sport to build a healthy body and sound mind.

To date, there are 380 registered silat associations, with four national bodies. There are more than 300 genres in Malaysia, with each having its own curriculum, history and traditions. The naming convention normally follows a particular geographical area, animal or combative system. In the Tiger style, for instance, the movements resemble the antics of a tiger.

Silat lincah, which is among the earliest form of silat in the country, started out with only five members.

Today, it has the largest following, with 800,000 members. It is still regarded as a combative system because the moves are fast and aggressive.

Other popular forms include silat cekak, silat gayung and silat gayung fatani, silat nafi, helang putih, sendeng and rajawali.

All the moves are consistent with the ethos of silat, which uses hand and feet movement.

Although silat emphasises the bare hand combative technique, exponents are also required to learn how to wield traditional weapons in real combat situation.

It is said that no silat is complete without the spiritual concept (ilmu kebathinan). Much of the philosophical teachings leads to the philosophy of life and there is a parallel between the physical and the spiritual concept.

There are some silat exponents who carry amulets to induce invincibility.

"But it is just to reinforce his belief. Wearing a tiger's tooth will make him fight with the tenacity, courage and ferocity of the tiger," explains Megat Zulkarnain.

To bring silat into the international arena, he believes that it will have to be "introduced as a sport (silat olahraga)."

However, there are those who feel that silat olahraga will compromise its combative value. They argue that while the traditional silat is defensive in nature, an exponent of the sports silat may have to go on the offensive, as the idea is to score points.

There may be some truth in the rationale but Megat Zulkarnain feels that the steps taken are justified. Otherwise, silat will slowly fade into oblivion.

But this is unlikely to happen as it is now an event in the SEA Games while the World Silat Championship is on world martial arts sports calendar.

"Right now, we're aiming for the Olympics," says Megat Zulkarnain.

Silat is also part of the Rakan Muda Wajadiri programme and he hopes that it will be incorporated into the co-curriculum of institutions of higher learning.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-77367941/deadly-yet-graceful-silat.html

15 August 2001

Pesaka: Judging will be fair

THE Malaysian Silat Federation (Pesaka) have assured there will be no biased judging at next month's Kuala Lumpur Sea Games.

Pesaka secretary Megat Zulkarnain Omardin said yesterday this was important as there were cases of biased judging in previous Games which had peeved other countries.

He said the matter was discussed at the four-day technical delegates meeting in Kuala Lumpur which ended yesterday, and they have decided on a set of stringent criteria to determine the points and penalty.

"As you know, sports like silat can be very subjective. So the 54 delegates from eight countries have decided to approach the matter point by point to avoid any accusation of biased judging," he said.

Megat Zulkarnain refused to give examples of biased judging but many observers still remember the 1997 Jakarta Games where the host country swept 17 of the 20 gold on offer.

And many countries were disappointed with the results then. Some had said the jury deliberately turned a blind eye when an opponent scored against Indonesian exponents but were quick to take note when the opposite happened.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-77233319/pesaka-judging-fair.html

Pesaka: We can top '89 haul

THE stage is set for a golden harvest when Malaysia host the Sea Games silat competition in Johor Baru next month.

Although our best haul so far was four gold at the 1989 Games in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian Silat Association (Pesaka) are confident they can meet their target of eight gold from 21 events in KL 2001.

Pesaka secretary Megat Zulkarnain Omardin said the exponents who would compete in 10 men's combat categories, six women's and five under the silat seni (the kata version of silat) are capable of exceeding the target but it is best to keep the target at eight, at least officially.

Megat Zulkarnain said the national team, who are currently training in Johor Baru, will be stepping up their preparations and those in the combat categories would go for an eight-day training stint in Vietnam from next week.

Those for silat seni would train in Indonesia for five days.

He said Pesaka chose these countries because it would provide the best environment for the respective branches of silat.

"Vietnam are the best in combat due to their fighting spirit. This is something we want our exponents to emulate. Indonesia are better in silat seni and we will train with their national team in this," he said.

Five national silat exponents have been picked by Megat Zulkarnain as the ones to watch in KL 2001.

These are 1995 Chiangmai gold medallist Ahmad Faisal Omar, who won the 2000 world championship silver, Brunei 1999 gold medallists Mohd Azrin Malik, Muhammad Zainal and Marwat Mad Rus and world silver medallist Rina Jordana Adnan, who is a newcomer to the squad.

In the past, the exponents to watch were world champions Azlinda Ahmad and Mohd Zakri Ibrahim but they have been dropped for disciplinary problems. However, the coaches reckon the squad have more than one able replacements.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-77234918/pesaka-we-can-top.html

03 August 2001

National silat exponents ready for SEA Games challenge

JOHOR BAHARU, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- The national silat exponents are ready for next month's SEA Games despite having two world champions dropped from their line-up.

National silat olahraga coach Ahmad Khusari Ibrahim despite the abscence of Azlinda Ahmad and Mohd Zakri Ibrahim, dropped for disciplinary problems, the national squad had able replacements.

The exponents are however expected to face stiff challenge from regional silat powerhouses Indonesia and Vietnam apart from Brunei and Singapore, he said.

"Zakri and Azlinda will be missed but we have capable replacements," he told Bernama here today.

The SEA Games silat competition will be held at the Johor Corporation's Indoor Stadium in Pasir Gudang near here. There are 21 gold, 21 silver and 32 bronze medals at stake.

The national silat squad of 23 exponents including eight women are undergoing intensive training here and in Pasir Gudang.

The men's silat squad: Ahmad Faisal Omar, Ahmad Shahril Zailudin, Azhar Ahmad, Idzir Shaik Abdul Razak, Marwan Mad Rus, Mohd Azrin Abdul Malik, Mohd Roslan Ibrahim, Mohd Syafridzan Muhammad Baid, Muhammad Zainal, Nik Adli Abdullah, Shamsuddin Mohd Darus, Ismail Darus, Mohd Fajar Subhi, Roslan Hamid and Samsul Nizam.

The women's squad: Hamidah Jaafar, Noorsyahidda Wati Abdullah Sani, Shalina Abdul Ghafar, Suryati Azlinda Jack, Mastura Sapuan dan Rina Jordana Adnan, Syarina Abdul Fatah and Sukinah Buang.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-77145871/national-silat-exponents-ready.html

01 August 2001

A German's love affair with the art

SILAT is making inroads into Europe, says 30-year-old Andre Mewis, one of the finest exponents of the martial art from Germany.

Mewis, who won the silat championship in 1992, recalled that it was "love at first sight" when he attended a silat demonstration in Berlin at 12. Although he is a kungfu as well as full-contact karate exponent, it is silat which had him hypnotised. Mewis, who runs his own professional martial arts centre, said: "I was fascinated with its graceful movements as well as the Malay culture."

Without hesitation, he packed his bags and left the country to master the art under several well-known gurus from Indonesia, the Philippines as well as Malaysia.

Mewis soon discovered that "finding teachers who can pass on invaluable knowledge is not easy," as the gurus do not compete for students and the acceptance process is very selective. Each teacher has his own selection criteria, which often include the student's character, moral standards and ethics.

"One's willingness to learn is also important." Once accepted, an exponent also has to take an oath.

Mewis agrees that silat is more than just a martial art. "It emphasises self-discipline and the building of inner strength."

Although silat emphasises bare-hands technique, Mewis says that when confronted, an exponent can turn simple items like combs, belts or a salt shaker into useful weapons. Another remarkable feature is the spiritual aspect.

"It is not like street magicians because there is no room for illusions.

This search for the truth will lead you to humility and reverence for life."

Mewis makes it clear that silat does not depend on mysticism, which means depending on something outside your inner resources.

"It's only when you begin to think, live and feel what you have learnt, then you will understand what silat is all about."

To enhance its popularity, Mewis plans to package it together with other more popular contact sports like karate, taekwando or judo.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-77367942/german-love-affair-art.html

25 July 2001

'I joined Al-Ma'unah after silat demo'

KUALA LUMPUR, Tues. - An Al-Azhar University graduate told the High Court today that he was attracted to join the Al-Ma'unah movement after watching a silat demonstration which applied inner strength ability in May 1999.

Mohd Bukhari Ismail, 29, said during the demonstration held by senior members of the group in the compound of a mosque in Machang, Kelantan, he saw a man freeze an attacking opponent just by snapping the flap of his handphone when the opponent was drawing near.

Mohd Bukhari, who graduated in Islamic Studies from the university in August 1998 and returned to Pasir Putih, Kelantan, in October the same year, joined Al-Ma'unah in June 1999.

On the day he registered as a member, Mohd Bukhari said he saw the group leader Mohd Amin Mohd Razali's ability in defeating his "opponents" during another silat demonstration.

"Mohd Amin only twisted his beard to make his attackers fall and they rolled on the ground like small children, before they could even get close to him," he said.

Mohd Bukhari also said that when Mohd Amin undid his turban and flung it into the air it became stiff.

He said he also saw a banana leaf frond become hard after Mohd Amin infused his inner strength into it.

Mohd Bukhari was answering questions from his counsel Hasnal Redzua Merican.

He also said that he saw how Mohd Amin stopped water that was thrown at him from touching his body.

Mohd Bukhari was making his defence at a trial in which he, Mohd Amin and 17 others were charged with waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at three places in Perak between June and July 6 last year.

They allegedly committed the offence at:

* Pos 2, Km 19, Kuala Rui, Jalanraya Timur Barat, Grik; * Batalion 304, Infantri (AW), Kem Grik, Grik; and, * Bukit Jenalik, Kemajuan Tanah Ngor, Sauk, Kuala Kangsar.

Mohd Bukhari said his interest in joining the group increased after being told by the group's East Coast leader Abdul Manaf Harun that the teachings in the group was inherited from the Wali Songo (the Nine Saints) of Indonesia.

Mohd Bukhari said he used to join similar movements that taught the application of inner strength when he was in school and during his undergrad years which were also inherited from the Wali Songo.

Hearing before judge Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin continues.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76757201/joined-al-maunah-after.html

22 July 2001

Take up silat, Abdullah urges youths

SHAH ALAM, July 22 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today called on Malaysian youths to take up silat, the Malay martial art which has been accepted by other races and recognised internationally.

"There should be more silat exponents as silat is beginning to be accepted at the international level," he told reporters after opening the general meeting of Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka).

The Deputy Prime Minister said silat was gaining recognition as the practices it advocated contained good values.

"Every practise adopted by a silat exponent will usually make him a good individual," he said.

However, it was also important that he stayed away from practices that were not part of the true teachings of the art, especially practices that went against religious teachings, said Abdullah.

He said Pesaka was in the best position to monitor silat associations throughout the country to ensure that they did not indulge in activities that did not confine to Islam.

At the opening ceremony, Abdullah also launched Pesaka's website -- www.pesakamalaysia.com.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76710342/take-up-silat-abdullah.html

20 July 2001

Pencak silat fighters aim to grab SEA Games overall title

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian pencak silat fighters hope to atone for the 1999 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games by claiming the overall title at the Kuala Lumpur Games in September.

"All the fighters are concentrating on grabbing the overall title. We are facing tough challengers but we'll do our best," men's fighter Tri Widodo, who competes in the 50 to 55-kilogram B class, said on Thursday.

"We can win the title as long as we can focus on each match and have a better spirit than our opponents. Most of my opponents in the Games are similar to my opponents in the World Championships here last year. I already know their styles," he said.

Indonesia will face strong opposition from host country and Vietnam.

Women's 70 to 75-kilogram F class fighter, I Made Arya Dwi Damayanti, echoed the sentiments of Tri.

"Competing in the SEA Games is a new experience for me, but I am optimistic of bringing home a gold, especially after winning gold at the last two National Games.

"I strained some arm muscles during a practice but it is not anything serious. It is only a small thing and I will recover soon," she said.

Coach Maryatno said the fighters were busy preparing themselves for the competition and working on their strategies.

"We are preparing 16 fighters in the fighting events and another nine for the martial arts events.

"Vietnam is the main contender on the women's side, while on the men's side all countries have an equal chance," he said.

The Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) has not announced a gold medal, only saying it was aiming to grab the overall title. The National Sports Council (KONI) expects the fighters to win 10 of 21 gold medals at stake.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Equestrian and Horse Racing Association (Pordasi) is hoping KONI will pay for a French coach for the dressage events.

"Pordasi and the equestrian society will finance two other coaches for show jumping and the three-day events. We need to pay each coach US$3,000 per month," said equestrian project manager Johan Pitoy.

"We have yet to name our core team members as the lineup announcement will take place on Aug. 26. We have a quota of five riders in each event but we'll only send four participants."

Pordasi is aiming for two golds from the dressage and three-day team events. Indonesia won one silver and a bronze at the 1995 SEA Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, when the sport was last featured.

"We will ship our own horses using a Navy landing ship next week to adapt to the venue, as well as to participate in the World Cup," Johan said.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76662541/pencak-silat-fighters-aim.html

18 July 2001

NS PESAKA LODGES POLICE REPORT

SEREMBAN, July 16 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) today lodged a police report denying that a fight broke out among silat competitors on the fourth day of the 8th Negeri Sembilan Silat Championship.

Negeri Sembilan Pesaka secretary Ismail Syed Mohamed lodged the report at the Seremban police station here at 1pm. He was accompanied by Negeri Sembilan Pesaka treasurer Tunku Amiruddin Tunku Yusof and committee member Johari Hassan.

A newspaper report today claimed 30 silat competitors were involved in a fight at 11:40pm at the State Youth and Sports Complex in Paroi last Saturday after a dispute over the judging of an event.

Meanwhile Negeri Sembilan Pesaka president Datuk Darus Salim Bulin, at a news conference here, said that no fight occurred on the fourth day of the championship.

The event, jointly held by the State Youth and Sports Department, State Culture and Arts Office and State Sports Council ended yesterday.

Darus Salim said he did not receive any report on the incident and he was also informed by the championhip's competitions head Mohamad Mat Amin that no such fight happened.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76607858/sports-ns-pesaka-lodges.html

17 July 2001

Referee confirms fracas at Negri Sembilan silat championship

SEREMBAN, Mon. - One of the 14 referees involved in the just-concluded Negri Sembilan silat championship has confirmed that a fracas broke out among some of the exponents on Saturday night.

Mohd Faid Musa, 44, however would only say that a few silat exponents and supporters were involved in the fight which occurred at 11.45pm following a misunderstanding among them.

"The problem was settled amicably between the exponents after that. A commitee member from the Dewan Pendekar was assaulted. However, he did not retaliate.

"However, I don't think that any referee was involved in the fight," Mohd Faid said when contacted.

He added that since the matter had been settled, there was no need to point fingers at anyone or to play up the issue.

The five-day silat championship, held at the State Youth and Sports Complex in Paroi, ended yesterday.

Meanwhile, the State Youth and Sports Department said it had not received a report on the incident.

Its director Mohd Nor Md Said said the department could only act if, and when, a report was made.

Meanwhile, the Negri Sembilan Federation of Silat Associations denied that there had been a fight.

Its president Datuk Darus Salim Bulin said the association always stressed the need for discipline among its members and that no fight had taken place between members since the championship was introduced years ago.

The association did not receive any complaint or protest during the just-concluded championship, he told a Press conference at Kelab Melayu.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76583722/referee-confirms-fracas-negri.html

Silat prize presentation

The Brunei-Muara District Silat Association held a prize presentation for its exponents at the Pusat Belia yesterday in conjunction with His Majesty's 55th Birthday celebrations. Photo left shows the Secretary of PERSIB, Pg Hj Jaluddin Pg Hj Md Said congratulating a woman exponent and (right) a silat demonstration by the Pencak Silat Gerak 41.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76582809/sports-silat-prize-presentation.html

16 July 2001

Silat exponents turn it on for real in Paroi

SEREMBAN, Sun. - More than 30 martial art exponents taking part in the five-day Negri Sembilan silat championship turned it into a free-for-all at the State Youth and Sports Complex in Paroi last night.

They started fighting when one of the losers confronted a referee outside the complex and started to throw punches at him about 11.45pm.

The victim, in his 60s, fell after he was punched and kicked a few times, but did not retaliate.

Several other competitors who tried to help the referee were attacked.

A 34-year-old trader who tried to "cool down" the situation was also set upon. He suffered bruises on his face and body. His assailants also destroyed one of the water containers he used for his business.

The altercation lasted for about 20 minutes before policemen came to disperse the crowd.

The trader lodged a report at the Seremban police station today. Fifteen teams took part in the championship which ended today.

About 11am today, another fight occurred when one of the competitors was said to have abused his challenger.

However, no arrest was made.

An official, who wanted to remain anonymous, said fighting among the exponents was "nothing new" and that it happened each time the championship was held.

He attributed the problem to indiscipline among the exponents and their coaches (mahaguru).

Despite the fights, no police report had been made so far as such incidents were considered as "the association's internal problem".

All the participating teams are registered under the Negri Sembilan National Silat Federation.

The referee, when met after the closing of the championship by Menteri Besar Tan Sri Mohamad Isa Abdul Samad, described the whole incident as "a small matter".

The man, who sat on the Negri Sembilan National Silat Federation's highest body (Dewan Tertinggi), said he did not retaliate as it would only make his attacker, an exponent from the Seni Silat Gayong Malaysia, more indisciplined.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76558083/silat-exponents-turn-real.html

08 July 2001

Accused: I took a fall at silat practice

KUALA LUMPUR, Thurs. - An Al-Ma'unah member told the High Court today that he pretended to have been defeated by the group leader during a silat practice just because he wanted to obtain a certificate at the end of the course.

Mohd Ramly Mohamood, 46, said he pretended to have been thrown back by the powers emitted from the leader, Mohd Amin Mohd Razali, when he (Ramly) and a few other members tried to attack him (Amin) during a course in Cherating, Pahang.

Ramly, who is from Tanah Merah, Kelantan, said he pretended to fall after being scolded by Amin because he did not fall when other group members did so.

"At that time I did not feel anything (Amin's powers) when other group members were thrown back after they faced Amin," he said.

Asked by his counsel, Zainal Ithnin, what Amin said when scolding him, Ramly said:

"He said if I did not fall I would not be able to increase my knowledge in silat and traditional medicine."

Ramly, a driver with Felcra before his arrest, agreed with Zainal's suggestion that he would not get a certificate at the end of the course if he did not fall.

"If I did not fall, I was afraid that I would not be able to get a certificate. Therefore I had no choice but to make myself fall."

Ramly said it was important for him to obtain the certificate at the end of the course.

"Only if I have the certificate would I be able to learn advanced techniques in traditional medicine from Abang Manaf."

Abang Manaf (no full name) was the Al-Ma'unah khalifah (leader) for Kelantan.

Ramly was making his defence in the trial in which he, Amin and 17 others were charged with waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at three places in Perak, between June and July 6 last year.

They were alleged to have committed the offence at:

* Pos 2, Km19, Kuala Rui, Jalan raya Timur Barat, Grik,

* Batallion 304, Infantri (AW), Kem Grik, and

* Bukit Jenalik, Kemajuan Tanah Ngor, Sauk, Kuala Kangsar.

On his involvement in the Bukit Jenalik incident, Ramly said he participated in the course after six other group members from Kelantan who were supposed to take part could make it at the last minute.

Hearing before judge Datuk Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin continues on Tuesday.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76385740/accused-took-fall-silat.html

06 July 2001

AL-MA'UNAH MEMBER DID NOT BELIEVE IN GROUP'S SILAT, COURT TOLD

KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (Bernama) -- An Al-Ma'unah member told the High Court here today that he did not believe in the silat of his group because he did not feel anything when he underwent training in the martial art.

Mohamed Ramly Mohamood, 46, a Felcra Tanah Merah driver in Kelantan, said he was not floored when he faced the group group leader, Mohamed Amin Mohamed Razali, nor when training in Cherating, Pahang.

He said he pretended to fall back during training just to get the certificate from Mohamed Amin so that he could acquire further medical knowledge.

"If I did not fall back Mohamed Amin would scold me," he said, adding that his leader told him that if he did not fall he would not be able to enhance his silat and medical skills.

He was making his defence together with Mohamed Amin and 17 other Al-Ma'unah members on a charge of waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in three places in Perak between June and July 6 last year.

They are alleged to have committed the offence at Pos 2, Kuala Rui, Gerik, 304 Infantry Battalion, Gerik Camp, and Bukit Jenalek, Sauk.

The offence under section 121 of the Penal Code carries the death sentence or life imprisonment on conviction.

Mohamed Ramly said that after becoming an Al-Ma'unah member he attended two courses held by the group in Cherating, Pahang, and Tok Uban.

On both occasions the members were driven to the venues which were not disclosed to them beforehand.

After the two courses he was asked to attend another one, also at an undisclosed venue, on June June 28 to replace a friend who could not make it, he said.

Another group member, Mohamed Zaini Mohd Zainal, 26, when continuing his testimony, said he felt normal when carrying out Mohamed Amin's order to don army fatigues before proceeding to the two army camps because he thought that he was going to train with the army.

He said although he was not a military personnel, he felt that it was not an offence to don the fatiques because he thought that the uniforms were loaned to the Al-Ma'unah.

The hearing before Justice Datuk Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin continues on Tuesday.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76331561/al-maunah-member-did.html

05 July 2001

Games squad stacked up with champs

ONE former world champion, one world runner-up and four Sea Games gold medallists have been shortlisted along with 21 other silat exponents for the Sea Games in September.

They are 1997 world champion Azhar Ahmad, 2000 world silver medallist Nik Adli Nik Abdullah, 1999 Brunei Games champions Mohamed Azrin Malik and Marwan Mat Rus, 1995 champion Ahmad Faisal Omar and 1993 Games champion Roslan Hamid.

Also in the list that has a mix of of national team A and team B following a trial on Saturday are Brunei silver medallist Shalina Abdul Ghafar and bronze winner Rina Jordana Adnan.

Their mission is to win eight gold medals in the coming Games, three more than our Games best in Manila in 1991.

National Silat Federation (Pesaka) secretary-general Megat Zulkarnain Omardin believes they have what it takes to achieve that.

"They are all capable of winning gold," he said yesterday. "However, the sport has many 50-50 situation where points can go either way in a fight and this can be subjective as shown in many silat tournaments before."

Malaysia won three gold medals in Brunei while Vietnam emerged as the best with seven.

Malaysia will compete in 19 out of the 21 events here.

"We don't agree with the new regulations for the solo show. They want to standardise the movements meaning there will be no more freestyle. So we are not sending any exponents in both the men and women's solo show," he said.

There are 10 classes for men and six for women and each will be represented by one exponent while three names Nik Adli, Abang Erdie Fauzerul and Ismail Darus have been listed for the men's class A and B.

Pesaka have also listed two names each for men's class F and women's class C and F, meaning four exponents must be dropped later.

THE LIST - Putra: Ismail Darus, Nik Adli Nik Abdullah, Abang Erdie Fauzerul, Ahmad Shahril Zailuddin, Shamsudin Md Darus, Muhamad Fajar Subhi, Roslan Hamid, Azman Mat Zain, Azhar Ahmad, Shamsul Nizam, Mohd Azrin Malik, Ahmad Faisal Omar; Putri: Rina Jordana Adnan, Hamidah Jaafar, Syarina Abdul Fatah, Shabnan Mohd Mokhtar, Siti Sukmah Buang, Mastura Sapuan, Suryatu Azlinda Jack, Norr Haslida Halim; Tempur Putra: Marwan Mat Rus, Muhammad Zainal; Tempur Putri: Noor Syahidda Wati Abdullah Sani, Shalina Abdul Ghafar; Jurus Wajib: Mohd Syafridzan Muhamad Baid, Idzir Shaik Abdul Razak, Mohd Roslan Ibrahim.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76294125/games-squad-stacked-up.html

PESAKA NAME NATIONAL SILAT LINE-UP

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Silat Federation (Pesaka) today named the national squad, who included six new faces, for the 21st SEA Games here on Sept 8-17.

Pesaka secretary-general Megat Zulkarnain Omar Din said Malaysia would compete in 19 of the 21 silat events in the SEA Games.

"We decided to skip the Putra and individual events in the seni category to protest against the scoring system which favours the Indonesians," he told a news conference here today.

However the squad named today were not the final line-up as Pesaka would make some changes to it after the centralised training stint in Johor Baharu which began Sunday, he said.

He said three exponents - Ismail Darus, Nik Adli Nik Abdullah and Abang Ernie Fauzerul were vying for the Putra Class A and B while Roslan Hamid and Azman Mat Zain were competing for the Putra F category.

Megat Zulkarnain said Syarina Abdul Fatah and Shabnan Mohd Mokhtar were vying for the Putri Class C with Suryati Azlinda Jack and Noor Haslinda Halim tussling for Class F.

"The final line-up will be known by Aug 8," he said.

He said the exponents named to the national squad were picked based on their performance during trials held last month.

The lineup:

Putra: Ismail Darus, Nik Adli Nik Abdullah, Abang Erdie Fauzerul, Ahmad Shahril Zailudin, Shamsudin Md Darus, Muhammad Fajar Subhi, Roslan Hamid, Azman Mat Zain, Azhar Ahmad, Shamsul Nizam Abdul Rashid, Ahmad Faisal Omar.

Putri: Rina Jordana Adnan, Hamidah Jaafar, Syarina Abdul Fatah, Shabnan Mohd Mokhtar, Siti Sukmah Buang, Mastura Sapuan, Suryati Azlinda Jack,, Noor Haslinda Halim.

Silat Seni

Tempur Putra: Marwan Mat Rus, Muhammad Zainal

Tempur Putri: Noor Syahida Da Wati Abdullah Sani, Shalina Abdul Ghafar.

Jurus Wajib: Mohd Syafridzan Muhamad Baid, Idzir Shaik Abdul Razak, Mohd Roslan Ibrahim.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76292769/pesaka-name-national-silat.html

03 July 2001

Silat group signs MoU with police to promote activities

KUCHING, Sun. - Rumpun Silat Sarawak has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Police contingent to hold development activities for youths.

The signing ceremony was held during the opening of RSS Silat Masters Convention at the Indoor Stadium here last night. It was witnessed by Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Acting Commissioner of Police Sarawak Dr Yusoff Nook signed on behalf of the force while RSS president Datuk Wan Ali Tuanku Yubi signed for the silat organisation.

Wan Ali said the MoU was aimed at fostering closer relations with the force particularly on silat activities for the youths.

He also disclosed that the police would incorporate silat classes under its cadet programme in schools.

"Under this programme, all cadet members will automatically become RSS members," said Wan Ali.

He also expressed confidence that the co-operation with the police would also help RSS to cultivate an interest in silat activities among students.

On the one-day convention, Wan Ali said it was attended by more than 500 silat masters from Sarawak.

"We have also invited silat masters from Jakarta who will demonstrate some of their unique silat movements," said Wan Ali.

The objective on holding the convention is to foster closer ties among silat masters.

It was also enhance their commitment and dedication towards the development of the martial art.

"Some of the masters are head of departments, farmers, fishermen, professionals as well as enterprenuers," Wan Ali said.

Set up in 1987, RSS is the main body regulating the silat activities in the State and recognised by the National Silat Federation (Pesaka).

He also said RSS would continue to improve the standard of silat activities in the State as well as to scout for potential silat exponents who could represent Sarawak at both national and international events.

Wan Ali also said the Pesta Silat Borneo would be held annually starting next year.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76164579/silat-group-signs-mou.html

30 June 2001

National silat squad to be announced Wednesday

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- The full list of silat exponents to represent the country in the 21st SEA Games here from Sept 8 to 17 will be announced on Wednesday.

The list would be announced after the Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) selection committee had made a full assessment based on the competition between the two top teams here today.

"The competition held today was the final approach by Pesaka. However, victory in this competition will not be the final determination in the selection of the national squad. The overall assessment would also be based in terms of their fitness level, as well as technical and mental aspects," said Pesaka general-secretary Megat Zulkarnain Omar Din when met by Bernama.

He said that besides the exponents, two coaches would also be selected to guide the national squad.

At the moment, four coaches are training the national silat team. They are Ahmad Khusairy Ibrahim and Hussin Zawawi, who are training Team A, and Mohd Hairil Tanuri and Sabaruddin Che Ani who are training Team B.

Megat Zulkarnain said the silat squad and the coaches to be selected would undergo intensive training in Johor on July 8.

In addition, he said the national silat squad would also be sent abroad for training sessions.

"They are expected to go to Bangkok, Thailand on July 31 after which they will go to Vietnam for joint-training in August," he said.

He also said Pesaka was targetting eight gold medals for the Malaysian silat team in the SEA Games.

The best achievement by the national silat squad was in the Manila Games in 1991 when they won five golds while their worst outing was in the Jakarta Games in 1997 when they returned empty-handed.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76164949/national-silat-squad-announced.html

25 May 2001

ZAKRI AND AZLINDA WILLING TO HELP NATIONAL SQUAD DESPITE EXCLUSION

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- Despite being dropped from the 21st SEA Games squad, world silat champion 2000 Zakri Ibrahim and Azlinda Ahmad are still determined to help the national team in the preparation for the biennial games.

They are prepared to be sparring partners to the national exponents who are vying for the eight gold medals at the SEA Games from Sept 8 to 17.

"I will still come down to assist the national silat team by giving moral support. If necessary, I am willing to be a sparring partner to the other exponents," Zakri told reporters after a closed-door meeting with Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, here today.

The meeting of the Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) Instructors Chamber on Monday had endorsed the decision of the Pesaka Disciplinary Committee on April 24 which dropped the two exponents for breaching discipline by leaving the training camp without permission.

Zakri said his passion for the sport would not diminish although he had been dropped from the Gemilang 2001 team.

He said he would abide by the decision to drop him but he would not give up and retire.

Meanwhile, Azlinda expressed satisfaction over the meeting with Hishammuddin.

"I feel relieved and satisfied. Datuk (Hishammuddin) had given us inspiration not to give up hope, as there are still many more silat championships to be faced.

"I'm also prepared to be a sparring partner for other exponents if necessary," she said.

Both exponents said the meeting was called by Hishammuddin and not meant to be an appeal against the punishment imposed on them.

During the meeting which lasted one-and-a-half hours, Hishammuddin advised the two national exponents not to lose hope following the decision.

"I advised them that there is always a lesson to be gained from whatever obstacles and challenges they were facing, but don't take these obstacles and challenges as something that can kill their spirit," he said.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-75026281/zakri-and-azlinda-willing.html

22 May 2001

ZAKRI, AZLINDA OUT OF SEA GAMES FOR GOOD

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- World champions Zakri Ibrahim and Azlinda Ahmad are now out of the SEA Games national silat squad for good as their appeals were rejected by the Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) masters' council who met today.

Pesaka secretary-general Megat Zulkarnain Omar Din said the meeting chaired by Pesaka president Tan Sri Muhammad Muhamad Taib unaninously confirmed their disciplinary committee's decision to drop the duo from the national side.

"Both were dropped as they have been found to have sneaked out of training camp without any permission," he said when contacted.

Last April 24, Pesaka's disciplinary committee chaired by Datuk Dr Ibrahim Saad decided to sack the duo for breach of discipline but gave them 21 days to appeal.

Megat Zulkarnain said as Pesaka's masters' council were the highest authority in deciding the issue, both silat exponents can no longer make any appeals for them to rejoin the national team.

He said whether the duo can still represent the nation after the September SEA Games depended on their respective silat associations.

"Pesaka will send a full report on this case to their respective silat bodies...the next action depends on these associations ,"he said.

Megat Zulkarnain said the council's decision showed that Pesaka would never compromise on disciplinary matters.

"Stern action like this is hoped to become a lesson to others and for it not to recur," he said.

Despite the views by certain quarters that the duo's abscence would weaken Malaysia's chances of winning gold medals in the SEA Games, he said Pesaka would not face difficulties in getting their replacements.

"We have several exponents from the back-up squad who are capable of replacing them," he said.

Megat Zulkarnain said Pesaka were still sticking to their target of winning eight of the 19 gold medals at stake in the SEA Games.

In Brunei two years ago, Malaysia won three golds, three silvers and four bronzes.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-74883997/zakri-azlinda-out-sea.html

16 May 2001

Silat still exhibited in Pusan

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's traditional martial arts pencak silat will still be featured as an exhibition event at the Pusan 2002 Asian Games in South Korea, securing a second commitment from the organizing committee.

Reports had said earlier that the Pusan Asian Games Organizing Committee (PAGOC) refused to stage the event due to financial shortages despite an earlier agreement that the Asian Pacific Pencak Silat Federation would pay all the expenses.

"The issue was cleared at the sidelines of a meeting for secretaries- general of the Olympics Confederation of Asian (OCA) on May 9 in Seoul," federation president Oyong Karmayudha told reporters on Tuesday.

"The federation will not cost PAGOC a single cent because all of our country members will share the expenses," he added.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-74578216/silat-still-exhibited-pusan.html

07 May 2001

School's silat team shines at sports festival

At last week's National Sports Festival, students from Sekolah Menegah Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja (SMPDSM) excelled at silat.

A press release from the school said, "A haul of 12 medals: 5 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze were presented by Principal Ms Tan Lian Lian at the school's weekly assembly."

"This was a particularly proud moment for the school as the medallists had worked so hard for their success.

"On their own initiative, during the school holidays the team had trained everyday to reach their best form."

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-74242667/brunei-school-silat-team.html

04 May 2001

No Olympic bid for silat, official says

JAKARTA (JP): The International Pencak Silat Federation (Persilat) refuted reports that it would bid to have the Indonesian martial art included in the Olympic Games.

The federation insisted it was concentrating all its efforts on having pencak silat featured as an exhibition sport at the 2002 Asian Games in Pusan, South Korea.

"We have never made a bid (for the Olympics) because our priority is to ensure the sport is featured at the Pusan Asiad. I have no idea why Megat Zulkarnain (the secretary-general of the Malaysian Pencak Silat Federation) made that statement," Persilat secretary-general Oyong Karmayudha said on Thursday.

"I have not contacted Megat but his statement was incorrect, because every initiative has to go through me as Persilat's secretary-general."

Utusan Malaysia quoted Megat as saying on Wednesday that Persilat had received a positive response from the International Olympics Committee (IOC) about the sport being included in the Olympics.

"We submitted a letter to IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch on March 26 saying Persilat hopes the sport can be included in the Olympics, and the response was good," Megat was quoted as saying.

Oyong said Persilat's country members did not have the authority to contact the IOC on their own, and any such initiative had to go through Persilat as pencak silat's world governing body and international federation.

"Besides, in his proposal Megat said Persilat has 83 country members while in fact we only have some 40 members."

The chance of pencak silat being staged as an exhibition sport at the Pusan Asiad appears to be slim, with the Pusan Asian Games Organizing Committee (PAGOC) having already thrown out an earlier agreement to include the sport.

"We recently received a letter from the PAGOC saying it was not possible to stage pencak silat because there were no funds to cover the expenses, although we submitted a proposal saying Persilat would provide the funds.

"The letter was signed by PAGOC's deputy secretary-general, who doesn't have any authority to make such a decision. It turns out that PAGOC's secretary-general who made the earlier commitment, Hahn Gi-bok, has resigned because of poor health," Oyong said.

"This forced us to approach PAGOC chairman Kim Un-yong, who is also the chairman of the South Korea Olympic Committee, to clarify the matter."

Oyong said it seemed that there had been some miscommunication between PAGOC officials concerning pencak silat's inclusion in the Asiad.

In another matter, Oyong expressed surprise that Malaysia had decided to include the women's 70 to 75 kilogram weightclass in the tarung (fighting) event at the Sept. 8 to Sept. 17 Southeast Asian Games, while eliminating the women's team arts event.

"I think Malaysia, as the host, is doing this to ensure its goal of taking eight of the 21 golds at stake."

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-74098088/no-olympic-bid-silat.html

26 April 2001

ATHLETES IN GEMILANG 2001 PROGRAMME A DISCIPLINED LOT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Athletes in the Gemilang 2001 programme preparing for the SEA Games in September are a disciplined lot, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said indiscipline cases reported, such as the sacking of a few athletes with the potential to win gold medals in the Games, did not affect the overall Gemilang 2001 progamme.

The Malaysian Silat Association (Pesaka) yesterday sacked 2000 world champion Zakri Ibrahim and Azlinda Ahmad from the Gemilang 2001 squad for disciplinary reasons.

"We may have lost the opportunity to win one or two gold medals in silat but then we have to stand firm concerning discipline," he said here today.

"We have to project a good image."

On the alleged sale of alcoholic beverages during the Malaysia Sevens Rugby World Series in Petaling Jaya over the weekned, Hishammuddin said the organisers should have taken into account views of the public.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-73676083/sports-athletes-gemilang-2001.html

05 April 2001

Silat athletes gear up for Pusan 2002 Asiad show

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's traditional martial arts pencak silat athletes gear up for an exhibition at the 2002 Asian Games in Pusan, South Korea, after silat was accepted as one of the Asian sports.

"The Asian Pacific Pencak Silat Federation will cover all expenses to stage the exhibition because the Pusan Asian Games Organizing Committee (PAGOC) is short of funds," the federation president Oyong Karmayudha said on Wednesday.

"There will be 90 athletes from 18 countries taking part in the two- day exhibition on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 at the quadrennial event. I am responsible for deciding which athletes will compete in which events."

Participating countries in the Asian Games include the ten countries grouped in the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in addition to Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, host South Korea and United Arab Emirates.

Oyong, who just returned from a visit to Seoul and Pusan, said he received enormous help from the Indonesian honorary consul in Pusan, Kim Soo-il who is also the dean of the Graduate School of International Management/Area Studies at the Pusan University of Foreign Studies.

"Kim said he was willing to set up a local organizing committee to prepare the event. He even offered the use of the university's sports hall free of charge. The hall is very large and nice."

"He also offered students as liaison officers. Students with specific language capability will be assigned to suitable participants."

Currently the consul has been collecting information on hotel rates and local restaurants.

"It is estimated to cost about 25,000 won (US$18) for meals for one day per athlete. We will have to wait for a detailed budget from Kim before proposing the total budget to all of the federation's members," Oyong said.

"We have also urged all members to approach their own National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to include the silat team in the main Asiad contingent to help reduce the cost."

Oyong said the plenary meeting also discussed regional events scheduled in 2001.

"There will be the Malaysian Open in July which will take place in the venue being prepared for the SEA Games in Johor which will also host archery, taekwondo and weightlifting. Malaysia expects all countries to send their best teams in the warm up session prior to the SEA Games," he said.

"Another warm up event is the Brunei Invitational in August in conjunction with the Visit Brunei Year 2001."

"After the SEA Games, there will be a world festival in Penang, Malaysia in October, focussing on the seni (martial arts) events."

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-72797984/silat-athletes-gear-up.html

15 March 2001

Pesaka all set for a tough fight

WITH the rise of nations who were previously not a force to be reckoned with, namely Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, the Malaysian Silat Federation (Pesaka) will not take anything for granted in the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games on Sept 8-17.

Already assured of a tough challenge against the likes of Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore to achieve the eight-gold medal target, the last thing Pesaka need is an upset from these countries, who in the past, were considered minnows.

After a pre-competition tournament at Pasir Gudang, Johor, venue for the KL Games, on June 5-11, there will be another tournament which will see all exponents, senior and junior, compete against one another.

The best will make the final squad.

"From the pre-competition tournament, we will be able to gauge the performance of all the exponents in the squad against the other South-East Asian countries. Besides exposing the players at the venue, it will help us select our final squad for the KL Games," said Pesaka secretary Megat Zulkarnain Omardin in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

"After the competition, we will have the first team, for the men and women, compete against the backup team. No preference will be shown to any exponent, only their performances will be taken into account."

The back-up team consists mainly of exponents who were selected last December, based on their performances in the World Silat championships in Jakarta last November, where Malaysia won two gold medals.

Malaysia, along with Thailand, are competing in 19 out of the 21 silat events contested in the Sea Games.

The Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei and Thailand will be competing in all events.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-71721799/pesaka-all-set-tough.html

14 March 2001

Al-Ma'unah members had 'more than silat in mind'

KUALA LUMPUR, Tues. - Articles found at Bukit Jenalik in Sauk, Kuala Kangsar, in July last year showed that the Al-Ma'unah group did not go there for silat training or learn about traditional medicine, the High Court heard today.

Senior deputy public prosecutor Datuk Abdul Gani Patail said apart from firearms and other weapons, books and pamphlets on combat guidelines, radio communications, and the art of deception, which were unrelated to the group's activities were also found.

Abdul Gani, who was making his submission at the end of the prosecution's case in the trial of 19 Al-Ma'unah members charged with waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, tendered as court exhibit three pamphlets.

The pamphlets were entitled Panduan Tempur Pegawai Kadet (Combat Guidelines for Cadet Officers), Muslihat (The Art of Deception) and Prosedur Telegraf (Telegraph Procedure).

Abdul Gani said the articles found at the hill showed only one purpose: that of overthrowing the government and to establish an Islamic country.

The 19 group members including their leader Mohd Amin Mohd Razali are alleged to have committed the offence at three places in Perak:

* 2nd Military Post, Kuala Rui; * Camp 304, Grik; and * Bukit Jenalik, Sauk, Kuala Kangsar; between June and July 6 last year.

The offence under section 121 of the Penal Code is punishable with death or imprisonment for life and if not sentenced to death shall also be liable to a fine.

Abdul Gani said the group's objective to overthrow the Government could be gauged from the collection of firearms and the findings of the pamphlets, but also from the action of the group members.

He said there was evidence in court which stated that there were cries of Allahu Akbar (Allah is great) and jihad (holy war) by the group members at the hill, which were meant to raise their spirits.

He said there was also evidence that Mohd Amin had asked one of the witnesses, Sjn Mohd Shah Ahmad, how many ulama (theologians) he had killed and how many Pas ceramah had not been given permits.

Hearing before judge Datuk Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin continues.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-71688857/al-maunah-members-had.html

12 March 2001

SHELVE PLANS TO STAGE STREET DEMOS, URGES MARTIAL ARTS BODY

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- The Mahaguru and silat instructors from 21 martial arts organisations and associations today called on opposition parties to cancel plans to hold street demonstrations.

Their spokesman Datuk Haji Omardin Mauju said they should place the country and people's interests above their political agenda.

"We pledge to play our role to maintain the prevailing peace and stability in the country," he told reporters after a special meeting with the 5.3-million strong silat associations.

Omardin, who is the Mahaguru and founder of Pertubuhan Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia, said they have been silent over the street demonstrations staged by certain groups as it was an issue to be tackled by political parties.

"Nevertheless, of late street demonstrations have reached a stage that can threaten public peace and national security," he said.

"We feel the demonstrations have exceeded political limits," he said.

Asked whether members of self-defence organisations and associations participated in the street protests, Omardin said they have not received any reports or complaints on their members' involvement in such activities.

"Actually, we've been monitoring the demonstrations and arrests made by police. So far, there've been no reports of our members' involvement," he said.

Following the meeting, a memorandum pledging loyalty and support to the government was sent to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-71575139/shelve-plans-stage-street.html

11 March 2001

PM SAYS SILENT MAJORITY SHOULD VOICE UP OPPOSITION TO STREET DEMOS

PUTRAJAYA, March 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysians who oppose street demonstrations should state their stand if they want to see peace preserved in the country.

He said by keeping silent they only gave the perpetrators the impression that they had the blessing and support of those who were actually anti-street demonstrations.

"Some quarters argue that if they condemn street demonstrations they would appear to be pro-government. This does not necessarily mean so, but (it means that) they are simply peace-loving," he said.

Dr Mahathir was speaking at a meeting with a 21-member delegation from silat and martial arts associations at Seri Perdana, the prime minister's official residence here today.

Earlier, the delegation, claiming to represent about 5.3 million martial arts exponents of various races nation-wide, handed over to the prime minister a memorandum calling for a stop to street demonstrations planned by any political party.

The delegation also declared support and loyalty to the elected government in the interest of prolonged peace and national stability.

Dr Mahathir said disenchanted citizens could change the government through general elections.

"In Malaysia, there is no restriction on choosing who should be the government," he said.

The prime minister cited past examples of the opposition ruling Penang and Sabah and now Kelantan and Terengganu are opposition-run states.

Dr Mahathir said toppling the government through street demonstrations would not benefit anyone except that any semblance of disorder would only frighten away investors,both local and foreign.

"All will eventually lose out when the country is destabilised," he said.

Dr Mahathir said the government of the day was legitimately elected by the people through a general election which gave the ruling party two-thirds majority.

He said a government illegally installed would also be similarly unseated by dissatisfied groups later.

The prime minister said street demonstrations would also erode the credibility of the law enforcers when policemen were challenged and abused, for instance.

The prime minister advised students in particular not to allow themselves to be tools to organisers of street demonstrations.

"While we have fought hard to gain independence so that they can acquire knowledge, there are others who instigate them to demonstrate," he said.

Getting involved in street demonstrations only showed that students were unappreciative of the opportunities and funding provided by the government for them to get educated, said Dr Mahathir who likened the situation to throwing money down the drain.

The prime minister advised martial art organisations in the country to remind their members, especially students to concentrate on their studies while mastering the art of self-defence.

"The aim is not to attack others but for self-defence and to defend peace," he said.

Dr Mahathir expressed appreciation to the delegation for stating its stand of rejecting street demonstrations.

Master of Seni Silat Lincah Association of Malaysia Datuk Omardin Mauju, who led the delegation, handed over the memorandum to Dr Mahathir.

Senior officials of the national Shito-Ryu Karate-Do, Goshin-Ryu-Karate, Shorin-Ryu Karate, Kokusai Jujutsu Ryu associations, the Global Taekwondo Confederation of Malaysia, Yoshinkan Aikido and the Kalari Payat Association of Malaysia were also in the delegation.

Meanwhile,at the meeting Dr Sabree Salleh of the Malaysian Taekwondo Confederation was appointed founding chairman of the Waja Diri Council of Malaysia, a proposed umbrella body for all the silat and martial art organisations represented in the delegation to today's meeting with Dr Mahathir.

Dr Sabree requested Dr Mahathir to be council patron and in response the prime minister said his office would positively consider the invitation.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-71575146/pm-says-silent-majority.html

01 February 2001

Policeman relates encounter

KUALA LUMPUR, Tues. - An Assistant Superintendent of Police told the High Court today of his encounter with the Al-Ma'unah leader Mohd Amin Mohd Razali in Bukit Jenalik, Kuala Kangsar, and his efforts to persuade him into surrendering to the armed forces.

ASP Abdul Razak Mohd Yusof, 38, said he cited a Quranic verse and a Hadis in his negotiation with Mohd Amin which started about 2pm on July 6 last year.

Abdul Razak, who is attached to the Special Forces Unit in Ulu Kinta, Perak, was brought to see Mohd Amin by one of the group members, Zahit Muslim, (who is also on trial) after they met about 30 minutes earlier at a stream near the group's base camp.

Upon meeting Mohd Amin, Abdul Razak said they shook hands.

Abdul Razak said being a person who has knowledge in silat and a Muslim, he asked Mohd Amin about the motives of his actions, but one of Mohd Amin's counsel Gobind Singh Deo objected on the ground that the reply would be hearsay.

Abdul Razak said he told Mohd Amin that he had done wrong, that he had given a bad name to Muslims by giving the impression that Muslims were terrorists and he cited a Quranic verse.

"I also told him that his actions had disgraced the silat community and that his action had given the impression that our country was weak and could easily be colonised by others," he said, adding that he cited a Hadis to strengthen his point.

Abdul Razak was testifying at the trial of Mohd Amin and 18 others charged with waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at three places in Perak between June and July 6 last year.

Earlier, Abdul Razak said he was informed that two of the group members had surrendered to the armed forces and there were many others on the hill who wanted to do the same.

When he met Zahit at the stream, Abdul Razak said Zahit told him that he wanted to surrender and before they went up the hill to meet Mohd Amin, five members of the group went to see him at the stream to surrender.

He added that there were 16 members of the group at the base camp.

At the end of his negotiation with Mohd Amin, Abdul Razak said Mohd Amin agreed to surrender but he wanted to perform a prayer first.

While Mohd Amin was praying, Abdul Razak said he contacted his ground commander Mejar Fadzil Tajuddin via a radio set, telling him that the group members had agreed to surrender. He also asked for eight men to be sent up the hill to escort the members.

The order that he got was for the group members to come down the hill with their hands on their heads.

Under cross-examination by counsel Zabidi Mohamad, appearing for Zahit, Jamaludin Darus, Ibrahim Idris and Kamarudin Mustafar, Abdul Razak said the members refused to put their hands on their heads when surrendering as their family members were waiting down the hill.

Abdul Razak said he once again contacted Fadzil and he allowed the group members to let put their hands by their side.

After Mohd Amin had performed his prayer, Abdul Razak said Mohd Amin tried to influence his men not to surrender but after some discussion, Mohd Amin agreed on one condition.

"Mohd Amin wanted five men to surrender at a time and since I was short of manpower to escort five men at a time, I called all the armed forces on standby at the hill to come and help," he said, adding that it was after this telephone call that the Army Field Commander Lt-Jen Datuk Seri Zaini Mohd Said came with four armoured personnel carriers.

"When Zaini came, I saw the group members were scared and they started to grab their weapons," he said.

Suggested that he had succeeded in persuading the group members to surrender before Zaini came into the picture, Abdul Razak disagreed.

He, however, agreed that the group memebers had agreed to surrender themselves before Zaini came.

Under cross-examination by counsel Hasnal Redzua Merican, Abdul Razak agreed that the situation at the hill was calm when he first met Zahit.

Hearing continues.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-69798133/policeman-relates-encounter-trial.html

29 January 2001

Silat and Al Ma'unah not linked, parents told

Over the past year the rakyat, especially parents, were apprehensive when it came to enrolling their children in silat schools.

This is because silat has suffered adverse publicity due to its relation with the Al-Ma'unah movement, whose members used the sport as part of its teachings.

The Al-Ma'unah movement was recently charged with waging war and making preparations to wage war against the nation.

Following that, National Federation of Silat (Pesaka) president Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib called on the public not to link the sport with movements such as the Al-Ma'unah or other silat associations not approved by Pesaka.

"Silat is a sport that teaches positive values. It helps in character building, promote good leadership qualities, loyalty, patience and confidence among its practitioners. Most importantly, it teaches respect for elders and superiors," said Muhammad in Shah Alam yesterday.

"There are however some so-called silat associations that are not registered or approved by Pesaka, like the Al-Ma'unah, and the public should beware of these associations."

Muhammad said there are 382 recognised silat associations in the country which have been registered by Pesaka, the Royal Malaysian Police and the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam (Jakim).

There are also silat associations who are not registered, but are nevertheless teaching the sport in various schools and other institutions.

Muhammad urged the public to be wary of these associations.

"Parents, schools and other institutions should find out from these associations whether their teachings have been registered by Pesaka first before accepting them. They should seek clarification form the various District Sports Councils or affiliates of Pesaka," said Muhammad.

Muhammad cited Japan as an example of a country whose traditional martial arts such as judo and karate have contributed to building many good citizens with strong positive characters for the benefit of the country.

He hoped that Malaysians will follow their example.

At the moment, there are reputed to be 3.2 million registered silat exponents in the country.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-69671206/silat-and-al-maunah.html

PESAKA confident of eight golds

LIKE all subjective sports, it is the judges that decide who gets the gold medals, and silat is no different.

But with home ground advantage, the National Federation of Silat (Pekasa), are confident that Malaysia will bring in eight gold medals in the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games come Sept 8-17, in contrast to their last haul of three gold medals in the Jakarta Sea Games in 1997.

Pesaka felt they were cheated in the Jakarta Games, and felt that Malaysia should have bagged more gold medals, no thanks to unfair judging by the panel of juries.

"We are very confident of reaching the eight gold medal target set, because silat being a subjective sport, the host country usually have the advantage in gaining points," said Pesaka secretary-general Megat Zulkarnain Omardin in Shah Alam yesterday.

Megat felt the jury panel at the Jakarta Sea Games, whom he claims many were trained in Indonesia, were largely biased in favour of the hosts.

Also, with the appointment of Megat recently as the deputy secretary- general for the world governing body for silat, he feels Malaysia have more say in matters relating to the sport.

"Before this it was just Indonesia who had the biggest say, but now that Malaysia are part of the world governing body for the sport, we have more say. This we believe will make the judging in competitions fairer," said Megat.

Malaysia recently competed in the World Silat Championships in Jakarta last November, and came back with a haul of two gold, six silver and five bronze medals.

Sea Games trainees Zakri Ibrahim and Azlinda Ahmad won the gold medals.

"Besides a few disputes, we (Pesaka) have noticed in the recent World Silat Championships that the standard of judging is fairer compared to in 1997. This is a positive sign for the development of silat," said Megat.

As part of the preparation for the KL Games, the squad will be competing in the Open Silat Championships in May, at Pasir Gudang, Johor. The competition is expected to be competed by ten countries in the region.

"The reason the competition is held at Johor is because it is the venue for the coming Sea Games, and we want the exponents to be familiar to the place," said Megat.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-69671205/perkasa-confident-eight-golds.html

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