Shahidan retains MAS presidency uncontested
DATUK Seri Shahidan Kassim will continue to lead Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) as president for the 2025–2027 term after winning the position uncontested in the swimming federation's elections ahead of its annual general meeting on June 27.
This was confirmed by MAS secretary-general Andy Low, who said that no challengers submitted nominations for the post by the closing date on June 13 (Friday).
In addition to Shahidan, he said Marilyn Chua Yu Ching (deputy president), Anthony Ang Kang Keam (vice-president) and Nurul Huda Abdullah (assistant secretary) also won their respective positions uncontested.
'The only positions to be contested at the upcoming AGM are for the MAS committee members.
'We received six nominations, but only five committee members are required,' he told a press conference here today.
Shahidan, who is also Arau MP, has held the position of MAS president since 1995, when the national governing body for swimming was known as the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM).
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Furthermore, prioritising accessible education and universal healthcare will guarantee that fundamental necessities are satisfied, lessening the financial burden on low-income households. These steps would align with international best practices, calling governments to establish safety nets that do more than alleviate acute misery. Finally, increasing social protection in underprivileged regions might improve living conditions for low-income people in rural and urban areas, addressing regional disparity concerns. When Malaysia prepares for Budget 2025, adding these components might turn the B40 support system into a cornerstone for long-term, sustainable poverty alleviation. Using holistic reform to close the gap A move towards a more integrated strategy might enhance results for the B40 and beyond as Malaysia's social protection programmes continue to develop. As demonstrated by international examples, providing routes to education, work, and self-sufficiency is necessary to reduce poverty effectively. If these all-inclusive models are emulated, all Malaysians might gain from the country's progress, which could help Malaysia close the gap in economic inequality. ‒ June 20, 2025 The author is the Director of the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Bernama
