It was a move that caught many by surprise and proved once again that Datuk Karim Ibrahim (main image) is a master opportunist, as he returned as president of Malaysia Athletics six years after losing the post.
The question now is: can Karim, who was president from 2015 to 2019, be the man who reunites a deeply fractured national body beset by internal strife, unresolved disciplinary issues, and allegations of unethical conduct?
Karim is no stranger to controversy. He was suspended by the International Association of Athletics Federations – now known as World Athletics – in 2018. His chequered past divides opinion.
Some view him as more forthright than Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, and more willing to punish those who step out of line. Others see his return as something that could deepen tensions rather than ease them.
He may be a disruptive force, but the Perak Athletics Association president vowed he is not here “to warm the seat”, and pledged “unity and forgiveness”. He won the post by defeating Datuk Wira Mark Ling 25–14 at yesterday’s annual general meeting.
His pledge for unity will be tested by how he works with his new deputy, Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh – Ling’s running mate during the AGM. Wan Hisham had also defeated Karim in the 2013 elections to become deputy president.
To honour his promise of unity, Karim must reach out to Ling and find a way to incorporate the Negeri Sembilan Athletics Association president’s manifesto – A role of service, not just a seat – with his own vision of Uniform, Perform and Reform.
Working together for the good of the sport will be vital in the healing process.
Two of Karim’s biggest immediate challenges are resolving an impending court case involving the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA), scheduled for mention on July 27, and addressing allegations by discus champion Irfan Shamsuddin, who claimed he was threatened and intimidated by Shahidan and several other top officials.
“I will speak to Irfan, and we will settle the case amicably. We will do what’s best for the athlete, for Malaysia Athletics and the nation,” Karim promised.
As for the FTKLAA case, Wan Hisham, who was also part of the previous council, expressed confidence that the new leadership would be able to settle the matter out of court.
There are also allegations raised by former deputy president Datuk Fadzil A. Bakar that a council member submitted false claims related to the 2024 Malaysian Athletics Awards Night. Shahidan had promised a resolution, but four months on, no official update or outcome has been announced.
Another issue Karim must address is a possible legal challenge from six Selangor affiliates who allege “procedural deficiencies” during the state’s AGM on April 26, which they claim denied them the right to nominate delegates to the Malaysia Athletics AGM.
The affiliates went as far as to hold an emergency general meeting to force the issue and submitted an alternative delegate list – which was rejected. This led to a confrontation that required police intervention, with four individuals taken in to give their statements.
All six affiliates and their officials face a disciplinary hearing today. They could be suspended for up to five years.
How they respond may determine whether they challenge the Malaysia Athletics AGM results, arguing they were denied their constitutional right to choose their delegates.
Selangor Athletics Association vice-president A. Varughese, who also serves as the association’s disciplinary chairman, said the association’s president, Nurhayati Karim, “has done nothing wrong”.
Nurhayati, Karim’s daughter, is also the general manager of Malaysia Athletics.
The task ahead is formidable. Beyond restoring credibility, Karim must navigate a deeply divided national body and win back the confidence of athletes, coaches, and sponsors. Whether he heals old wounds – or reopen them – remains to be seen.
Karim has reclaimed the presidency. Now, the entire athletics community wants to know whether he can reclaim their trust.
