The future of the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA) remains uncertain after yet another meeting with the Sports Commissioner’s Office on April 29 ended in a stalemate.
FTKLAA – Malaysia’s most successful athletics body – has been affiliated with the national athletics association for over 40 years. However, following the name change from the Malaysian Athletics Federation to Malaysian Athletics, the Kuala Lumpur outfit now finds itself out in the cold.
The root of the issue lies in Malaysian Athletics’ new constitution, which was approved by the Sports Commissioner’s Office on Jan 15, 2025. It mandates that Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan must merge into a single unified entity.
Although FTKLAA does not oppose the merger, it has requested more time to establish the new association.
FTKLAA president Datuk Seri Dr V. Pulainthiran questioned the strict enforcement of the new constitution.
“If you change the constitution, shouldn’t you ask whether it benefits the public and the sport?” he said. “Why are they using the constitution as a sword against FTKLAA?”
He added that Malaysian Athletics should not shut the door on FTKLAA, and instead give affiliates enough time to comply with the new structure.
“If the changes affect an affiliate, it’s only fair that it be given time to sort things out,” he said.
“That’s all we’re asking for. I have no objections to the merger, but I’m more concerned about the welfare of my athletes. I want to make sure they don’t face problems during the transition.”
Pulainthiran said FTKLAA had sent several appeals but had yet to receive a response.
“Our appeal has gone unanswered. We don’t know what is taking so long,” he said, adding that he hopes the association will be allowed to remain an affiliate until Malaysian Athletics’ annual general meeting on June 15.
“We met with the Sports Commissioner’s Office, but no decision was made. We’ve also written to the deputy minister, requesting more time.”
FTKLAA has submitted appeal letters to Malaysian Athletics, the Sports Commissioner’s Office, and the Youth and Sports Ministry.
While Malaysian Athletics has rejected the appeal, FTKLAA is still waiting for a final decision from the Sports Commissioner’s Office.
