Malaysia Athletics Denies Misappropriating Funds

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Malaysia Athletics president Shahidan Kassim said appropriate action will be taken if there is any wrongdoing.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF), now known as Malaysia Athletics (MA), has denied allegations of misappropriation of funds in the organisation related to the Malaysian Athletics Awards Night in January last year.
MA president Shahidan Kassim said claims submitted by a supreme council member was still being reviewed and to date, no payment had been made.
“A meeting will be held to examine this issue in detail and appropriate action will be taken if it is proven that there has been any wrongdoing. Members of the executive council are very upset and disappointed with the action of a council member who made the allegation in a recent media report,” he said at a press conference.
He was commenting on a statement by deputy president Fadzil Bakar, which was reported by several portals. Fadzil claimed there was misuse of funds in the union.
He alleged that a council member was said to have submitted claims regarding the awards night through his company although the MA had received sponsorship.
Meanwhile, Shahidan also denied claims that the annual general meeting (AGM) for the selection of the national athletics governing body, which must be held before June 30, would be postponed to next year.
He stressed that the AGM would still be held this year, with the date to be set at the next supreme council meeting.
“No decision was made (to postpone the AGM), I don’t know about the chats. If there is a decision, there will definitely be a statement from me,” he said, adding that the Sports Commissioner’s Office (PJS) had approved the amendment to the association’s constitution on Jan 15.
It was reported that the amendments included changing the leadership term from three years with a maximum of three terms to four years with a maximum of two terms.
When asked if he would defend his position at the AGM, Shahidan said the matter would be announced later, adding that he is willing to step down if there is a more qualified candidate.
Shahidan returned as president after defeating the then incumbent, SM Muthu, in 2022. He previously held the position from 2006 to 2012. - FMT

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