KUALA LUMPUR – Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharuddin has dismissed concerns that winning a seat in the Negeri Sembilan state election would affect his ability to lead the national Paralympic movement, insisting he is fully capable of balancing both responsibilities.
Speaking to Scoop, the Seri Menanti candidate said he has spent years managing multiple roles and does not see serving as both an assemblyman and PCM president as a challenge.
“Yes, I believe I can manage both responsibilities. I have been juggling multiple responsibilities throughout my career, so I do not see it as a problem.
“Even if one day I become a minister, it would be similar. Ministers have their ministerial duties while also taking care of their constituencies. It is a full-time commitment, and I am prepared for that,” he said.
The 43-year-old sports administrator said public office would demand the same level of commitment he has consistently demonstrated in sports administration.
“I do not mind doing both. I have been doing this kind of work all along, so I do not think there will be any problem juggling both responsibilities at the same time.”
Megat stressed that entering politics would not diminish his commitment to PCM.
“As for PCM, I remain fully committed. If there are opportunities for me to take on even greater responsibilities in the future, I will continue to serve. The work of PCM will continue because we have a system that has been operating for many years.”
He said PCM’s established management structure would ensure the organisation continues to function effectively even if he assumes additional responsibilities.
“We do not micromanage everything. We empower our officials and executive council members to carry out their respective responsibilities. The system has been in place for many years, and everyone knows their role. Each exco member has a specific job, and we trust them to perform it.”
Megat said delegation and teamwork have always been central to his leadership style.
“I have always believed in empowering the team. Everyone has a role to play, and that is how we have operated successfully over the years. The organisation does not depend on one individual alone.”
His candidacy for the Seri Menanti seat has drawn attention because of his standing as one of Malaysia’s most prominent Paralympic administrators.
The Negeri Sembilan state election will be held on Aug 1, with all 36 State Legislative Assembly seats up for grabs. Nomination took place on July 18, while early voting was held on Tuesday.
Megat is contesting the Seri Menanti seat under the Bersatu banner as part of Perikatan Nasional’s challenge. If elected, he would become one of the few serving national sports leaders to simultaneously hold elected political office while continuing to head a major sports body. – July 30, 2026