The Malaysia Athletics (MA) annual general meeting is on June 15, but it may take place without representation from the Federal Territories.
This is because the amended MA constitution states that the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan must merge into one entity. As such, all three associations must meet to discuss how to proceed with registering a new organisation.
Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA) president Datuk Seri Dr V. Pulainthiran said he has called for a council meeting later this month to discuss the future of the body, one of the most successful in the country.
“I have to speak to my council members first, as the most important thing is to take care of the athletes’ welfare,” said Pulainthiran, a former middle-distance runner.
“It is not an easy decision. I alone can’t decide, neither can my secretary or other council members. We need to discuss our future at length.
“As a former athlete, I understand the hardships they face, and I always do my best to ensure their welfare is well taken care of.”
Pulainthiran said there is some confusion over the amended constitution, which the Sports Commissioner’s Office (SCO) approved on Jan 15 — the same day Malaysia Athletics Federation changed its name to Malaysia Athletics.
An SCO officer told Twentytwo13 on Feb 17 that the changes would only take effect after the AGM unless the council agreed to adopt them beforehand.
“Some council members are unsure if the amended constitution takes effect from Jan 15 or only after our AGM,” said Pulainthiran.
“We need to clarify that first. Like I said, if we have to merge all three associations, so be it. But I want to make sure my athletes are well taken care of and have no issues going forward.”
Separately, Malaysia Athletics president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim reiterated that there had been no misappropriation of funds, as the national body had yet to make any payment to a council member.
On Feb 19, MA deputy president Datuk Fadzil A. Bakar told Twentytwo13 that a council member had submitted claims amounting to RM18,610 as reimbursement for payment for the venue of the Malam Anugerah Olahraga Malaysia 2024 (Awards Night). However, a sponsor had already paid the hotel in full.
He added that the committee found that the member had not followed the “laws and regulations under Rule 18, clause 11”, which states that all financial activities need approval from the finance committee.
Fadzil subsequently received a show-cause letter. He attended an emergency council meeting on Feb 27 but walked out, calling it “a waste of time”.
He has not been informed if he would face any punishment.
“I repeat – there has been no misappropriation of funds, as no payment has been made,” said Shahidan after a council meeting at OCM Hotel this evening.
“We are still investigating the case. We will take the appropriate action if the claims are false.”
Regarding whether he would stand for re-election, Shahidan said he would announce his decision in due course and welcomed any challengers.
“If anyone wants to contest the top post, go ahead. If they are better than me, I may even step aside.”
