Datuk Fadzil A. Bakar (main image), has been removed as Malaysia Athletics’ deputy president two weeks after he raised allegations of false claims made for the 2024 Malaysian Athletics Awards Night.
Fadzil confirmed he had received a letter informing him of his removal as deputy president but declined to comment further, as the matter is now in the hands of his lawyer.
On Feb 19, Fadzil told Twentytwo13 that he headed a special committee set up on July 29, 2024, to ‘review the expenses’ after a member asked to be reimbursed RM18,610 as payment for the venue when a sponsor had already paid the hotel in full.
Several MA council members had also questioned the delay in the outcome of the investigation into the allegation of the false claim for the 2024 Malaysian Athletics Awards Night (Malam Anugerah Olahraga 2024). They were surprised that the president of the national body, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, did not address the matter during its last council meeting on March 6.
“We were told there was a second investigation into the allegations of the false claims, but we have not heard anything,” said a council member, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“If there were doubts about the initial findings of the special committee, surely it wouldn’t take this long to go over the receipts and claims?
“The president said there would be a second investigation. That was nearly two weeks ago, and there is still no news.”
Another council member questioned the speed with which Fadzil was removed from his post.
“We don’t have a deputy president as Fadzil has been removed. Why was he removed so quickly?” asked the council member.
“The investigation of an alleged claim has been ongoing since last July. Where is the fairness in that?
“The special committee that looked into the case handed over its findings. Why is it taking so long? We need to get to the bottom of the case.”
The special committee that Fadzil headed also found the member did not follow the “laws and regulations made under Rule 18, clause 11”, which stated that all financial activities needed approval from the finance committee.
Fadzil alleged Shahidan ignored recommendations, but the latter told a press conference on Feb 26 that he had stopped the payment and denied any abuse of funds.
Shahidan also said that the national body would investigate and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing was found.
The following day, Fadzil received a show-cause letter and attended an emergency council meeting on Feb 28. Fadzil, however, walked out of that meeting, saying it was “a waste of time”.
Twentytwo13 has reached out to Shahidan for comment.
