Ilyumzhinov’s General Secretary Leong Stands Down
Ignatius Leong, the current General Secretary of FIDE, has given advance notice on the website of the Singapore Chess Federation that he will not continue in his position beyond the current term even were he provided the opportunity.*
2010-05-14 20:46:04
I was appointed in 2005 as General Secretary following a vacancy in the position and agreed to continue to stand for the 2006 Elections with a mandate to bring tangible improvements to the Chess fraternity. During these last 4 years, I have worked diligently with all colleagues withing FIDE to improve the standing of chess.
May I take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the Federations and Colleagues in Chess whom I have had the pleasure of working. I intend to serve out the remaining 4 months of the current term to the best of my ability.
Even though I will stand down as from the current FIDE Presidential Board when its term expires, it is not my intention to close off future opportunities to help improve chess. Regardless of where I may work within FIDE, I am always happy to continue to cooperate closely with all national federations and with all persons for the mutual benefit of Chess for All.
Ignatius Leong
In 2002, Mr. Leong launched his own campaign for the presidency of FIDE, but soon came to an accord with Ilyumzhinov and dropped his challenge in exchange for a vice-presidency under Ilyumzhinov. As a result, no election was held that year.
*[This item originally stated that Mr. Leong's letter was posted on the Singapore website soon after the Russian Chess Federation nominated Karpov. Mr. Leong has informed us that was not the case.]
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