Malaysian athletics on the line tomorrow

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: It's the oldest national sports association in Malaysia; it's arguably the most run-down national body in this country. It seeks renewal tomorrow.
Malaysia Athletics, the national body for track and field, holds its election, and some of its office bearers seek another mandate.
There have been cries of dissatisfaction from fans and a cry for new blood in MA following the anaemic performances of the national athletes.
But incumbent Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim seeks another term, and he will be challenged by Datuk Seri Wira Mark William Ling (current deputy president), Perak's Datuk Karim Ibrahim and Terengganu's Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh.
By now, after having been through so many disappointments, Malaysians aren't really excited about who wins the presidential race.
What we are concerned about is that whoever leads MA must be competent enough to help lift the standards of Malaysian athletics? That means bringing in the golds at Sea Games-level and excelling at the Asian Games.
Can Shahidan do that? Or Mark or Karim or Wan Hisham?
Historically, the 112-year-old national athletic association has seen much infighting among its officials for the top posts. Many have been accused of putting their own agendas ahead of national interests.
In February, MA deputy president Datuk Fadzil A. Bakar made media statements about impropriety in the association, which Shahidan had denied. Fadzil alleged that Shahidan had ignored recommendations to refer a member to the disciplinary board over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Shahidan was also accused of trying to amend the MA constitution, extend the office-bearers' terms from three to four years, with a limit of two terms. And certain council members and affiliates were
against a move to have the elections only next year.
Most of the MA members have been around for far too long without contributing anything to the sport. These insufferable officials are killing Malaysian athletics as they threaten athletes brave enough to speak out.
A number of athletes are also unhappy with their progress under certain coaches, and have revealed their problems to the media.
It has reached a point that they have lost their respect and faith in MA officials, whom they feel are a stumbling block to their careers more than anything else.
What has the current MA leadership achieved for Malayia? Our athletes struggled to win gold, even at Southeast Asia-level, let alone the Asian Games. A total of 48 golds were offered in athletics at the last Sea Games, in Phnom Penh, but Malaysia won only five golds, three silvers and 11 bronzes.
Malaysia used to be a powerhouse in athletics at regional-level, especially in the 1980s and 1990s, but today we have become also-rans. Few new talent and little grassroots development as MA officials continue to scratch thier heads.
And MA is still banking on ageing athletes like discus thrower Irfan Shamsuddin, who has won six Sea Games gold, to keep Malaysia visible.
Can Mark make his mark in Malaysian athletics? He has a vision, but he can only implement his plan if he is elected as MA president.
Karim and Wan Hisham also want to lead Malaysian athletics, but do they have what it takes to save the sport here?
The destiny of Malaysian athletics is in the hands of those who vote today. Vote for a change for the better, or vote for the same old sad story.