KUALA LUMPUR – The Sports Commissioner’s Office (PJS) has advised Malaysia Athletics (MA) to be transparent and consult its affiliates on internal matters to prevent confusion in its decision-making process.
PJS’s comments came after MA failed to hold its elections as required by May this year. The association’s failure to comply with the Sports Commissioner’s Office’s requirements led several affiliates, including the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA), to lodge complaints against the national body’s leadership.
However, pressure from affiliates has now prompted MA to conduct its elections on June 15.
Speaking to Scoop, sports commissioner Suhardi Alias urged MA’s leadership to uphold its constitution during the election process before making any decisions.
“The constitution is there for a reason, and the leadership must be transparent in its actions by maintaining constant communication with its affiliates. If the affiliates are not kept informed and engaged, issues like this will continue to arise, and we will receive more complaints against the parent body.
“I understand that the MA is also in the process of amending its constitution, and I hope this proceeds smoothly with the support of its affiliates. Once the amendments are finalised, they must be presented to us.
“MA is a reputable association and has produced some of the country’s top athletes through its successful programmes. I hope issues like this do not affect the association’s long-term sustainability,” said Suhardi when contacted.
It was reported that MA had initially planned to postpone the elections until next year, pending approval from its affiliates on proposed constitutional amendments.
The amendments include extending office-bearers’ terms from three to four years, with a maximum of two terms. Previously, the limit was three terms of three years each.
Additionally, the association recently changed its name from the Malaysian Athletics Federation to Malaysia Athletics (MA).
It was also reported that FTKLAA, which has been an MA affiliate for more than 40 years, did not receive an official invitation to attend yesterday’s MA council meeting.
Meanwhile, incumbent MA president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has confirmed his intention to defend his position in the upcoming elections.
However, he emphasised that he is open to stepping down if a candidate capable of driving greater progress for MA emerges, adding that he would fully support such an individual for the betterment of Malaysian athletics. — March 7, 2025