Malaysia Athletics general manager Nurhayati Karim declined to comment on allegations of misappropriation of funds within the national body.
At the ‘Olympic Sports Development Programme Workshop’ in Subang Jaya this afternoon, Nurhayati acknowledged having read Twentytwo13’s reports but chose not to comment.
“I know who you are, I have read your articles. I have no comment,” said Nurhayati, the daughter of former president Datuk Karim Ibrahim.
Nurhayati, president of the Selangor Athletics Association, then left the venue.
Yesterday, Malaysia Athletics deputy president Datuk Fadzil A. Bakar alleged that the president, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, ignored recommendations to refer a member to the disciplinary board over alleged misappropriation of funds.
The report comes amid speculation that certain officials want to remain in office for another year, although elections are due by June 30.
This comes after Malaysia Athletics Federation applied to change its name to Malaysia Athletics and amended its constitution to extend the office-bearers’ terms from three to four years, with a limit of two terms. Previously, it was a maximum of three three-year terms.
However, an officer from the Sports Commissioner’s Office told Twentytwo13 that the constitutional changes are only supposed to take effect after the annual general meeting (AGM).
Athletics is one of eight sports selected by the Youth and Sports Ministry to receive part of an RM20 million grant aimed at enhancing training and development for Olympic medal prospects. The other sports are archery, badminton, cycling, diving, swimming, squash and taekwondo.
Its minister, Hannah Yeoh, said the sports would be reviewed from time to time, and more could be added if the programme proves successful.
When asked about the issues surrounding Malaysia Athletics and if any of its officials, past or present, had approached her, Yeoh said: “Not me, maybe one of my officers.”
Meanwhile, Yeoh said she hoped the ‘Olympic Sports Development Programme Workshop’ would help Malaysia discover and nurture more sporting talent.
She added that previously, the government focused on team sports with the national development programmes for football, hockey, rugby, and netball.
“There is a need for the government to ramp up efforts to support other sports that have always contributed to Malaysia’s medal tally,” she said.
“So, we created a similar fund under the National Sports Council to prepare the pathway for juniors, just like hockey, rugby, netball, and football.
“In this workshop, officials from the national associations will discuss with a panel of experts how we can use these funds to help.”
Image: Nurhayati (in white), receives a plaque from Yeoh during the Olympic Sports Development Programme Workshop.
