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Polo & Equestrian National Interest Society formed
Saturday, April 1st, 2006
by Peter Abisheganaden
Malaysia’s penchant for the bigger and better took on another dimension as the polo and equestrian communities agreed to merge. With polo being included in the Bangkok 2007 South East Asian Games, there was pressure on Polo to be accepted by Olympic Council of Malaysia for international sports status and the National Sports Council for funding.
Agreeing to merge polo with equestrian sport in one national organization gives instant recognition to polo, and expands the influence of the equestrian community.
The new society will be known as the Polo Equestrian National Interest Society.
Citing a large endowment available for purchase of horses and training, Polo Equestrian National Interest Society will spearhead a new initiative to win more medals for Malaysia.
With so many polo players on the current equestrian committee, it was a merger that came naturally.
The new organization will be headed by current chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dato’ Dr JJ. “We think it will cause a lot of excitement. Merging Polo with Equestrian sport is a natural step for many of us. I myself play polo. My children compete in equestrian dressage and showjumping. We are the same family, all involved in horse sports, yet the sports are controlled by different organizations. With the money we can bring in, this society can fund many needy polo tournaments and events.”
He cited the example of national showjumper Quzier Ambak who has made the transition to playing polo. “Quzier is not only an excellent showjumper. Now he plays polo as well. He has shown that it is not so hard [to do]. With this new organization he can have both his loves under one roof.”
Vice President Datuk Osman was unusually talkative. “This so-called merger is not an apa-nama so-called bail-out. This is a so-called enhancement or apa-nama enlargement of the two so-called apa-nama associations. It is apa-nama very so-called exciting. We won’t go to many apa-nama Tiger shows with the so-called money.”
Treasurer Dr Sham was also excited about the merger. “We haven’t published our accounts since 2002 when I took over as treasurer. With this merger maybe we’ll be able to hide for some more few years. Everyone knows my admin is so bad I can’t even be bothered to bill my clients, what more do a full set of accounts, so for me this is a blessing. Plus maybe we can buy another float or building and not disclose for another few years.”
EAM Executive Secretary Minor Yap had this to say, “Bigger is definitely better. It is really small now, but with the right sponsorship, we can make it grow. I want it bigger. Maybe we can get Reebok Pump to become a sponsor. Pump it up!”
Not everyone agrees with Minor Yap. Secretary-General Mr Lau Lan Chiao said, “Sometimes the problem is we get too soft and take the first sponsor that comes along. We want stiff competition. Perhaps Café Tongkat Ali is better. I also heard that the blue pill works wonders.”
VIW of the EFS, Mr John Wang said with a straight face, “We are tiny, but in TLOTB we have never been envious of Malaysia’s bigger size.”
Citing an already poor negative image of the new organisation because of its acronym, the chairman said he would appoint a PR company to give it an image makeover. He introduced Mr Richard Head of HeadCases as the leading contender. Dick said, “It’s a hard job but we predict many headlines with HeadCases. This new society just needs a good polish and we are the ones to do it for you.”
One of first jobs of the new society will be the organization of the FEI General Assembly which will be held in Kuala Lumpur at the end of April. Calling for volunteers for the G.A., Tan Sri chairman said, “Please give P.E.N.I.S. a hand.”
