16 hours ago
Will Malaysia Athletics clean house or collapse after today's AGM?
Malaysia Athletics will hold one of its most contentious annual general meetings yet later today, set against a backdrop of internal strife, unresolved disciplinary issues, and allegations of unethical conduct.
There are those within who assume anyone can be bought, and take offence when reports hit out at them. Adding fuel to the fire are insiders who have plenty to say, but do not want to go on record when it matters most.
More damaging was a press conference by Asian Championships silver medallist Muhammad Irfan Shamsuddin on Friday, claiming threats and intimidation from Malaysia Athletics president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (main image), and several other top officials.
Irfan alleged that Shahidan had pressured him to follow specific directives, including whom he should or should not thank publicly for his medal. He also accused Malaysia Athletics of coercion, and of denying him the right to compete independently.
The six-time SEA Games champion confirmed he has reported the matter to the Youth and Sports Minister, the National Sports Council, and World Athletics, urging a formal investigation into Malaysia Athletics' leadership.
Shahidan, who is defending his presidency, vehemently denied the claims right after Irfan met the press, blaming a 'third party' for attempting to cause discord ahead of the AGM.
Besides Shahidan, the other candidates for the presidency are Datuk Wira Mark Ling (Negeri Sembilan), Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh (Terengganu), and Datuk Karim Ibrahim (Perak). Shahidan, who is Perlis Athletics Association president, received four nominations, while Ling received two. Karim and Wan Hisham each received one nomination.
Karim and Wan Hisham have also been nominated for the deputy president's position, alongside three others – Datuk R. Annamalai (Pahang), Mohamat Hasaan (Sabah), and Sallehudin Safar (Johor).
Ling and Wan Hisham are likely to join forces, with the former going for the No. 1 post and the latter settling for the deputy's seat. This follows a 'manifesto' released yesterday, co-signed by Ling and Wan Hisham, entitled: 'A role of service, not just a seat'.
The first sign of trouble within Malaysia Athletics began in February when then-deputy president Datuk Fadzil A. Bakar raised allegations of false claims for the 2024 Malaysian Athletics Awards Night.
Four months on, there has been no official update or outcome of the investigation, and Fadzil was subsequently removed from his post.
Shahidan and Malaysia Athletics are also due in court on July 27, following a legal challenge brought by the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA). The matter was heard at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 13, before being postponed.
Another case may soon emerge. The national body's former president, Datuk SM Muthu is among six Selangor Athletics Association affiliates who allege 'procedural deficiencies' during the state's AGM on 26 April.
The six affiliates – Petaling, Klang, Hulu Selangor, Sepang, Kuala Langat, and Hulu Langat – held an extraordinary general meeting on June 9 to nominate three delegates to attend Malaysia Athletics' AGM, but were stopped from submitting the list on June 12.
Police were called to Wisma OCM, and they later recorded statements from four representatives of the Selangor affiliates. The six affiliates are studying their options.
As the countdown to the AGM comes to an end, the stakes are higher than ever. With unresolved allegations, questions about ethics, and dissatisfaction among athletes and officials alike, today's elections could determine whether Malaysia Athletics can rebuild trust or remain mired in controversy.
