25/08/2026
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH — SILAMBAM DESERVES BETTER
We have remained patient. We have respected the process. But there comes a point where silence becomes acceptance.
As members of the Perak Team officials, we strongly oppose the misleading narrative currently being circulated. Our athletes trained hard, sacrificed countless hours and came to SUKMA to compete fairly. They deserve to win or lose based on their performance; not on decisions, manipulation or inconsistent application of rules during the tournament.
The issues we witnessed are deeply frustrating:
• An unexpected “rematch” that was not provided for under the competition rules.
• Decisions made without proper discussion with the SUKMA Secretariat Appeal Committee (Jawatankuasa Rayuaan SUKMA). This decision was annonced the following day after the so-called gold medalist lost his semi-finals.
• Legitimate protests being made, yet the process was not handled according to the prescribed procedures. Not in accordance to the Clause 14.1 Peraturan Pertandingan SUKMA 2026
• VCR and protest reviews that did not follow the Peraturan Pertandingan Silambam SUKMA 2026.
• Similar events being conducted under different point-awarding systems, without prior notice or proper explanation.
• Rules and procedures seemingly being applied differently depending on the situation.
This is not how a sport should be governed.
Athletes train hard. Coaches sacrifice. Families support. Officials dedicate their time. Everyone deserves a competition where the rules are clear, consistent and respected.
We have retained the relevant documents, records and evidence supporting the concerns raised. We are now waiting for the appropriate authorities including the SUKMA Secretariat, Majlis Sukan Negara and Ministry of Youth and Sports to properly look into these matters.
We are not doing this because we hate Silambam.
We are doing this because we love Silambam.
We want Silambam to grow, gain credibility and ultimately reach the highest international platforms. But if the sport continues to be controlled through unchecked authority, inconsistent decisions and a culture where every protest is simply dismissed with “keputusan KDT adalah muktamad”, how can this sport ever develop?
A technical official should protect the integrity of the sport. Not become bigger than the sport itself.
The art of Silambam carries centuries of tradition, discipline, respect and honour. Power, ego and personal agendas have no place in it.
Athletes should not have to fight against the system after spending years training to represent their states.
Let the deserving athletes win.
Let the rules decide.
Let decisions be transparent.
Let protests be heard.
Let officials be accountable.
Silambam will never flourish if the people entrusted to develop it lose respect for its athletes, its rules, its traditions and the people who built this sport.
And perhaps this is exactly why Silambam continues to struggle for recognition on major international platforms such as the SEA Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics. Before demanding international recognition, we must first demonstrate that we can govern our own sport with integrity, transparency and fairness.
We have said enough for now.
We have the evidence. We have the records. We know what happened.
We are awaiting the proper authorities to review the matter.
And soon, we will conduct an official live session where we will present the relevant facts, evidence and issues surrounding these incidents, and identify the parties responsible for the decisions and actions that have contributed to this situation.
This is not about destroying Silambam.
This is about preventing Silambam from being destroyed.
For the athletes.
For the art.
For the tradition.
For the future of Silambam.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
Respect the athletes.
Respect the rules.
Respect the art.
Respect the sport.
Selangor silambam athlete M.Mahendran made history at the Selangor 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) after winning his 3rd consecutive gold medal at the Games.
