KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (Malaysian National Cycling Federation) has moved to dispel rumours surrounding the status of national technical director John Beasley, confirming that the Australian will continue in his role until his contract expires in January next year.
MNCF president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said Beasley remains fully committed to completing his tenure and suggested that his involvement in Malaysian cycling could extend beyond the current agreement in a different capacity.
The clarification comes after online reports claimed that Beasley had stepped down from his post.
“His current contract runs until the end of January next year and he intends to fulfil that commitment,” Amarjit told Scoop when contacted.
“He remains the technical director and has not resigned. I need to clarify this because there have been reports suggesting otherwise, and those reports are inaccurate.
“I met John two days ago to discuss several matters and I believe the meeting was very positive.
“MNCF respects his views and his right to determine his own future. He has made a tremendous contribution to Malaysian cycling over the years.
“The success Malaysian cycling has achieved on the international stage today is the result of his dedication, expertise and commitment, together with the efforts of other coaches, over the past two decades.”
Beasley has been a central figure in Malaysian track cycling for more than 20 years, initially serving as national sprint coach before taking on the technical director role last year.
Recent speculation over his future intensified after he voiced concerns about bureaucracy, political interference, and gaps in grassroots development within the sport. He had also indicated he was reassessing his long-term position in Malaysia.
Tensions have further surfaced in recent months between Beasley and several state coaches, particularly over rider selection policies and training methods.
Disputes also escalated ahead of the Junior Track World Championships in Belgium scheduled from Aug 19 to 23, after Beasley criticised certain state associations for not releasing riders for national duty.
Amarjit revealed that disciplinary action has already been taken against one individual from a state affiliate over public remarks directed at Beasley.
“The role of technical director requires close cooperation and coordination from many stakeholders, including state associations and state sports councils, all of whom have their own systems and priorities. It is certainly not an easy position,” he said.
“We became aware of this issue in April and have identified those involved. A show-cause letter was issued to one individual last month and we are considering taking similar action against another.
“The MNCF executive committee will meet soon to determine what action should be taken against the individual who received the show-cause letter. We want to send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
“If there are concerns, they should be raised through the proper channels, beginning with the respective state association before being brought to the national body. Going directly to the media only creates unnecessary friction and confusion.”
Despite the friction, Amarjit said he remains hopeful that Beasley will continue contributing to Malaysian cycling even after his current contract ends.
“We cannot simply afford to lose someone of John’s calibre, and he has assured us that he will continue supporting the national team in one capacity or another,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of long-term planning for Malaysia’s elite sprint programme, including the future of Olympic medallist Datuk Azizulhasni Awang.
“We also need to understand what Datuk Azizulhasni Awang’s plans are moving forward. Personally, I would like to see him compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“If Azizulhasni decides to continue, we know John shares a very close relationship with him as well as the other elite riders in the national programme.”
Beasley has long worked closely with Azizulhasni since the latter’s teenage years and is widely regarded as one of the key figures behind Malaysia’s rise as a force in international track cycling.
Earlier this month, Azizulhasni warned that Malaysian cycling could be heading down a “dangerous path” if Beasley were to eventually leave the national set-up. — June 20, 2026