Walk the talk

Interestingly as the ABAS (Amateur Bowling Association of Sarawak) AGM edges closer the topic is on members that want change but only talk about it without doing anything hence the saying 'you gotta talk the talk and walk the walk'. Must be said that the statement said is true. There is no use bout saying something then not being able or not wanting to do anything about it. Might as well don't say anything at all.

Those that are not satisfied about the current state of the association should also put effort into helping instead of just crucifying and condemning. Over the years many have been critical about the activities and decisions of the association but many have been talkers only. None have dared to step up to the plate and speak out their issues. Majority have done nothing. Every AGM, these talkers attend but seldom they take the floor and make their issues be known. Nobody I guess wants to be the indian and everybody wants to be the cowboy.

Then of course you have the other group of members that just don't give a crap. Lets not talk about these as they are frankly just not worth mentioning. For those that are unsatisfied then your constructive opinions and suggestions would very much be appreciated. I am sure ABAS being an association that is owned by each and everyone of its membership paying members would take in all views and its elected office bearers and committee members will consider any suitable ideas. After all, we only want the progress, betterment and advancement for the association don't we.....

Sounds right and peachy doesn't it but why is it that members have stop giving their opinions and suggestions???
Simple, giving much opinion and suggestions for them to only fall on deaf ears, after a while you'd get tired, fed up and just keep it to yourself wouldn't you.

If suggestions are good then why are they not considered and are just discarded???
Well, not all suggestions are viable and the committee would have to decide on which are suitable but then also there is this fact that though some suggestion maybe good to some but may not be good at all to others. Over the years decisions have seen swing mainly towards those that benefit 'influential' individuals only.

Time and time again, ABAS business have been kept with outmost secrecy. This we can't understand and accept because ABAS is an association and it exist because of its members support and participation. No one has the right to make it as if it is their own. All members should have a right to know things that goes on. ABAS has been singing the same old song of being transparent to all members but the Gestapo and KGB 'styled need to know basis' they still practice seems to make them look hypocritical. Can be said back at ABAS in the face too that after you talk the talk you got to walk the walk!!!

One thing that the association has been consistently good at till now is the constant ability of them 'shooting themselves in the foot'. No denying that it must be said they have done a pretty fine and decent job in some cases and credit should be given back to them. They have fought well to increase our annual budget from the federal and state's sports ministry but because of that too that problems have arised. With the sufficient funds available some administrators might have just gotten their heads bloated too early. During that period is when members have lost their power because certain quarters entrusted into office do as they please. Worst is some do nothing at all.

Today with the existence of the void between administrators and members, the association has made it a point to bridge the divide. Definately the right thing to do but is it all a little too pretentious??? Failure of the association to send a team to the Interstate because of restricted funds might have been resolved if earlier they had been a little more appreciative of its members. Members too want to bring glory to the state and the association. Members pulling their resources together for the common interest of the state team would not have been a problem but now it is not an option for ABAS to even dare ask as they fear of getting a boot in the ass. Can you blame some members for turning their backs??? Fair to say no cause the marginalisation has made the cut too deep.

Now the association will have to go back to its grass roots which are its members and build up the rapport again. Credit again to those administrators that have realise the cause and are starting to try and sovle the problem. As they say first step to rectification is realisation. Of course action must be taken also. Knowing and not acting upon it is as good as ignorantly not knowing it.

Credit to some old guard dogs that have been doing a fine job all these years and kudos to those young pups that have taken the responsibility upon themselves and assisted their seniors. A responce to a friend's statement that 'old dogs are still good to hold their post'. Yes true it maybe based on experience and such but only if they are not leashed, chained and sits there only. They gotta bark and learn some new tricks too like shake hands.....