KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Karim Ibrahim has broken his silence over his eligibility to remain as Malaysia Athletics (MA) president.
In a response on MA’s Facebook page today, Karim said he noted the concerns raised but stressed that his election and appointment were carried out lawfully.
On April 10, Twentytwo13 reported that MA council members were shocked that World Athletics had, in January, written to the national body to enquire about Karim’s status. They were also upset that they were informed of the letter only nearly three months later.
Karim did not attend the council meeting, while his daughter, Nurhayati, the association’s secretary-general, recused herself.
The letter came amid mounting scrutiny over Karim’s return to power – a comeback that surprised many and reignited long-standing questions about governance, compliance and credibility within MA.
In 2018, the International Association of Athletics Federations (now World Athletics) deemed him ineligible to hold office as a council member, a decision later upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
At the centre of the issue is the length of his suspension, as no time frame was specified in the statement announcing it.
Karim has denied claims that he was banned for life, insisting such assertions are inaccurate.
He pointed to his election as a council member of the Asia Athletics Association for the 2019–2023 term, four months after the CAS decision, as evidence of continued recognition.
“This reflects recognition of my involvement and contributions at the international level,” he said.
“In this regard, I question why this matter is being raised now when it was not brought up during the nomination and election process.
“The focus should be on developing the country’s sports, rather than creating controversy that could disrupt the stability of the association.”
Karim said his participation in the election and his appointment as MA president were in accordance with constitutional provisions, through a transparent and orderly process, and in compliance with all guidelines.
He added that the constitution underpinning his presidency was approved and enforced in 2025.
“The post I hold is in line with the amended MA Constitution, approved by the Sports Commissioner’s Office (SCO), which came into force on Jan 15, 2025,” he said.
“The MA Constitution is subject to SCO approval in accordance with the National Sports Development Act, a law passed by Parliament to regulate sports bodies in the country, and not under the jurisdiction of World Athletics.”
However, broader governance issues and key questions – including whether the 2018 sanction carries wider implications beyond the world body – remain unresolved.
Karim said he respects ongoing processes and will cooperate with any inquiries.
“I am also ready to await any official decision from the relevant parties,” he said.
He added that his priority remains the athletes and the future of the sport.
“I remain committed to discharging my responsibilities with integrity and ensuring the development of athletics continues in the interest of athletes and the nation.
“I urge all parties to work together to maintain harmony and focus on the development of Malaysian sports,” he added.
