Malaysia Athletics’ six-coach plan under review as SEA Games deadline looms

KUALA LUMPUR — The appointment of six new athletics coaches for Malaysia is now under review, with the National Sports Council (NSC) emphasising to Malaysia Athletics (MA) that the 2025 SEA Games must take precedence over any future plan.

Speaking to Scoop today, NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin said that although the budget for hiring the coaches has been approved, it is the responsibility of MA to handle and add to the funding if needed.

“The budget to hire six athletics coaches was approved by the NSC, but it is up to the association on how to manage it. That is the standard practice with all national associations,” Jefri said.

He said that MA’s decision not to renew the contract of technical director Robert Ballard likely stemmed from similar financial constraints.

“In the case of MA, and them deciding not to renew the contract of Robert Ballard, it is probably because they cannot pay so much,” he added.

In April, a plan to appoint three foreign coaches and three local coaches was approved in principle to enhance preparations for all athletics disciplines. However, Jefri has stated that the proposal is currently being reassessed by MA.

“For the six coaches, it is under review by MA, and I understand they’ve already had a working committee meeting,” he said.

Jefri recognised the significance of long-term development plans but emphasised that MA should concentrate on urgent priorities, especially with less than six months remaining before the regional Games in Bangkok.

“From the NSC, it’s simple and we’ve made this very clear to the new MA leadership. The number one priority is the SEA Games. We’ve got less than six months, so this matter must be sorted out soon,” he said.

“If MA wants to think long term and about their development, sure, but we can discuss it after the SEA Games. The biennial Games is the main priority now, so I hope MA will quickly sort this out.”

In April, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim was still leading MA. He subsequently decided not to run for re-election, allowing Datuk Karim Ibrahim to take over the leadership of the association for the 2025-2029 term. – July 3, 2025