Kuala lumpur: Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation (PSM) president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan has announced that he is no longer interested in vying for the presidency of the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF). Sumali, who currently serves as an ISTAF vice-president, cited the extensive responsibilities and high time demands associated with the role as key reasons for his decision.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sumali expressed that he might consider contesting for the deputy president position instead, as it would not require his full-time focus. "I have not thought about contesting for the top post in ISTAF. If I were to contest, perhaps I would just go for the deputy president post," he mentioned. Sumali further elaborated that the presidency demands 100 percent commitment, which he is not prepared to give at this time.

Sumali also expressed his hope that the ISTAF presidency could be filled by a representative from a country other than Thailand, which has led the world sepaktakraw governing body since its inception in 1992. He emphasized the importance of leadership change within organizations, suggesting that it might be time for someone from Indonesia or the Philippines to take the helm. Additionally, Sumali proposed that PSM deputy presidents Datuk Seri Abdul Puhat Mat Nayan and Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman consider contesting for the ISTAF presidency.