Sports bodies used for purposes harmful to national security, public order or morality can be declared unlawful by the minister and struck off immediately under amendments to the Sports Development Act 1997 tabled for a first reading in the Dewan Rakyat.
The Bill was tabled by Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari (pic) yesterday.
Under the proposed Section 41A, the minister may issue a gazetted declaration after consulting the Sports Commissioner, cancelling the body’s registration with immediate effect.
Upon deregistration, a sports body’s property will vest in the Director-General of Insolvency to wind up its affairs and settle debts.
Surplus assets may be transferred to the Consolidated Fund on the minister’s direction.
Current and former office bearers, members and employees can be compelled to provide details on accounts and affairs, facing fines of up to RM10,000, up to five years’ imprisonment, or both for non-compliance.
A replacement body may apply for a High Court order to assume the former entity’s assets and liabilities, provided a majority of old members join and agree to assume its debts.
Registered sports bodies must obtain the Commissioner’s approval before altering their name, address, constitution or rules, subject to a fine of up to RM5,000 for non-compliance.
The Commissioner may also direct a sports body to amend its constitution within a set period after hearing representations.
Additionally, the Bill introduces a new enforcement regime granting ministry officers and police the authority to record statements, seize documents and obtain Magistrate search warrants.
Recorded statements and seized materials will be admissible as evidence in court.
Members who steal or misappropriate funds face prosecution, though legal proceedings require the public prosecutor’s written consent.
Other provisions allow public inspection of Commissioner-filed documents for a fee upon stating a lawful purpose, and empower the minister to regulate international anti-doping and safe sport obligations.
The amendments will entail additional, yet-to-be-determined government expenditure.
