KUALA LUMPUR – Nurhayati Karim is the new president of the Selangor Athletics Association (SAA), having won the post uncontested during its first annual general meeting held today.
She was elected president in December 2021, but SAA’s registration was later cancelled by the then-sports commissioner, Ibrahim Mohd Yusof, in April 2022.
This occurred after the association ousted then-president Datuk S.M. Muthu, who was alleged to have misappropriated funds amounting to RM110,000 from the state athletics body’s fixed deposit account.
However, Muthu denied the accusation and insisted that he was still the president of SAA, disputing Nurhayati’s position. This dispute led to Ibrahim stepping in.
“We are here to open a new chapter in Selangor athletics and focus on development,” said Nurhayati at a press conference after today’s meeting.
“The new leadership today will take responsibility for the outstanding incentives.
“But it’s only been an hour since the election, so we’ll hold a meeting first and see what the procedure is.
“What is important is that the new leadership is ready to take responsibility and will develop athletics together with all the districts in Selangor.”
Nurhayati, who is also the daughter of former Malaysia Athletics Federation president Datuk Karim Ibrahim, has said that among the new committee’s focal points are women’s empowerment and re-engaging former Selangor athletes to participate in the association.
“That is our agenda, but I cannot disclose more details as these decisions will be made collectively with the main committee.
“Our main focus is to develop this sport as we have lagged behind other states, especially with Sukma preparations for this year.
“We will submit all reports to the sports commissioner to ensure we attain the proper status.
“Subsequently, we will collaborate with the state sports council to discuss and enhance grassroots development in all districts,” added Nurhayati, whose term will run for two years until January 2026.
The only contested post at the AGM was the vice-presidency, resulting in A. Varughese being elected as vice-president I and Cheng Tong Lean as vice-president II.
SAA committee for the term 2024-2026:
President: Nurhayati Karim
Deputy president: A. Sritharan
Vice-president I: A. Varughese
Vice-president II: Cheng Tong Lean
Honorary secretary: Narayhanasaamy Kuppusamy @ Nsaamy
— January 7, 2024