18 hours ago
Koh breaks silence on no contest for Sabah Tennis Association presidency
Johnson Koh
KOTA KINABALU (June 16): After 17 years of dedicated and uninterrupted service as president of the Sabah Tennis Association (STA), Johnson Koh Yong Siang decided it was time to finally call it a day.
And he did it his own way.
Initially, Koh has stated openly that he wished to serve as president one final time as he was committed to completing two key initiatives before handing over the reigns.
He even went as far as having discussions, including one day prior to the association's annual general meeting (AGM), with a potential successor regarding a smooth transition.
'As printed in the newspapers, I made my intention clear to serve one final term, but with a pledge to step down by the end of this year (2025),' said Koh, a stalwart of Sabah tennis since taking the helm in 2008.
However, he was unexpectedly challenged for the presidency during the nomination process at the AGM on May 8.
'That person ignored my pledge and decided to contest the post.
'As a person of integrity, sincere in intentions and purpose, I withdrew my name from the contest.
'I told the AGM, 'You can have it,'' said Koh as he explained what has transpired on election day.
'That's the real reason why there is no contest for the STA president's post,' he added.
Dr Terrence Soong is the new president of STA.
Having said that, Koh revealed he had carried out his responsibilities to the best of his ability for the betterment of Sabah tennis during his tenure.
Koh left behind a strong financial foundation, with over RM111,000 in the association's reserves and a legacy marked by milestones in sports development and organisational growth.
It was a stark contrast to when he first assumed STA leadership in 2008, where the state body had only RM2,000 in its coffers.
He recalled approaching then-permanent secretary of the Youth and Sports Ministry, (Datuk) Michael Emban, for assistance.
Thanks to renewed confidence in the association's direction, STA received crucial support that paved the way for its revival.
Under his leadership and team of committed officials, the Sabah Invitational Team Tennis Tournament was launched, helping to reinvigorate not only the sport but also tourism in the state.
During this period too, Sabah tennis encountered three friendly sporting Chief Ministers, namely the current Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
'We also managed to get one of the Prime Ministers' wife to associate with the (invitational team) tournament,' he said.
STA's efforts during Koh's tenure also led to Sabah being selected as a host for the Asia Tennis Federation's (ATF) Under-14 tournament, a first for the state.
Koh also spearheaded a seven-year campaign to roof the tennis courts at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex in Likas, which eventually led to not just the tennis courts, but also nearby sepak takraw, volleyball and basketball courts being covered, an achievement he attributes to the consistent backing of supportive state governments.
Beyond Kota Kinabalu, Koh's influence extended to Sandakan.
In the 1980s, alongside Datuk Ian Chin Hong Chong, he played a key role in securing land and developing tennis infrastructure there.
Today, Sandakan remains the only district tennis association in Malaysia to own its own tennis courts and clubhouse.
A notable achievement came in 2023 when tennis was officially declared a core sport in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) by the federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, culminating years of advocacy by Koh, including personal meetings with three former federal sports ministers.
'Tennis, like all sports, must remain apolitical,' Koh emphasised. 'It must support the government of the day to ensure consistent facilities, funding, and moral support.'
Meanwhile, Koh, in his farewell message, extended deep gratitude to a wide array of supporters.
'A big thank you to the media, authorities, ministries, volunteers, contributors, players, parents and all those who stood by the association throughout these 17 years,' he said.
He also offered sincere apologies to anyone who may have been unintentionally offended or overlooked during his tenure.
Towards this end and as STA transitions to new leadership, Koh leaves behind a revitalised organisation, a proud legacy and a heartfelt message of unity and purpose.
'I have given my all to Sabah tennis. Now, it's time for the next chapter,' Koh concluded.
