KUALA LUMPUR — Newly elected Malaysian Athletics (MA) president Datuk Karim Ibrahim has urged national athletes not to be afraid when facing crises or challenges, assuring them of the association’s full support.
Karim emphasised that athletes are the “heart” of the country’s athletics development and should not be sidelined due to external issues that may affect their focus on the track or field.
“I want to tell athletes not to suffer in fear. I will defend athletes and will not sideline them,” he said, according to Bernama.
His comments come amid ongoing controversy involving MA technical director Robert Ballard, whose training programme has been boycotted by several national sprinters. The issue has attracted significant media attention this year.
It was previously reported that athletes who expressed dissatisfaction with Ballard’s coaching style were threatened with expulsion from the programme.
Karim, who also serves as president of the Perak Amateur Athletics Association, returned to helm MA for the 2025–2029 term after winning the presidency at the governing body’s annual general meeting on June 15.
Having previously held the post from 2014 to 2019, Karim secured 25 votes, defeating his challenger, Negeri Sembilan Athletics president Datuk Mark William Ling, who received 14 votes.
He has pledged to increase international exposure for athletes to help them reach new heights in global competitions.
As for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, Karim said MA aims to improve on the five gold medals won at the 2023 edition in Cambodia.
However, he stressed that a realistic medal target will be determined only after analysing data and statistics from other Southeast Asian nations.
The 2025 SEA Games are scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla from December 9 to 20. — June 23, 2025