Cue artist Moh Keen Hoo yesterday pleaded with his critics, especially those from the Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation (MSBF), to give him a break.
Just because he looked sleepy-eyed, they accused him of indulging in late night outings. And just because he once placed bets during a friendly game, the critics said Moh loved to wager whenever he played in the 6-red ball tournaments.
All that, said Moh, is hogwash. The Korat Sea Games gold medalist, who turns 22 next month, then voiced out all his frustrations over a plate of claypot chicken rice.
Moh said was being punished by the MSBF officials just for being outspoken and lamenting the lack of competitions for players of his calibre.
He insisted he has had valid grouses and it was not fair for the MSBF officials to accuse him of being a rebel in the game.
The former Asian Under-21 champion, who came in third in this year’s Asian Championship, said it is true that he doesn’t have a solid educational background but it doesn’t mean he is stupid.
He said it was wrong for MSBF to say that he had ‘resigned’ from the national training programme because he was not satisfied with the RM2,500 allowance and that he preferred to earn more outside. Moh said he had never made such statements.
“I also didn’t say I wanted to resign. However the contents of the letter (issued by MSBF) early this month had stated that I had no interest to continue training and I would like to train on my own.
“I feel I am being victimised for being outspoken.
“I had reasoned out with the MSBF, questioning their decision of not allowing me to play in 6-red ball tournaments.
“MSBF claimed it’s a betting game but then how come it was an official event at the Korat Sea Games last year?
“Traditional pool is 8-ball and 9-ball but now there is 10-ball. Why don’t the MSBF stop the pool players from playing 10-ball then?”
Moh said at the meeting with the MSBF officials he also spoke about the lack of tournaments in Malaysia.
“After the meeting I was told not to open my mouth and if I did, MSBF might ban me for good.
“Why resort to such threats?’
To help resolve his situation, Moh said he met with National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Zolkples Embong on Tuesday and admitted to missing several training sessions.
“But I am not the only one who skipped training. I skipped training as I am not satisfied with what MSBF have been doing all this while.
“How come I was not allowed to play in an unsanctioned tournament in Penang despite the State Sports Council extending an invitation through the NSC?
“If MSBF have issues with the state association, don’t take it out on the players,” he said.
Moh said he was grateful to Datuk Zolkples for hearing him out and hoped that with NSC’s help, justice will be served.
Taken From Malay Mail
