When Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail retired as the director-general of the National Sports Council (NSC) in September 2023, there were those who believed he was the ideal candidate to fill the massive void in Malaysian sports – by becoming its much-needed ‘statesman’.
After all, he had spent over three decades in the national sports ecosystem – dealing with a revolving door of often clueless ministers and their loyal bootlickers, ego-driven and vengeful sports association leaders, and some prima donna athletes who often demand unicorns and rainbows without delivering results. Over the years, he made his fair share of friends – and ‘frenemies’, to put it politely.
Yet, eyebrows were raised when Ahmad Shapawi decided to challenge Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin for the top post in the Malaysia Paralympic Council in December last year. The former civil servant was soundly defeated.
What motivated him to contest remains a mystery – but it was undoubtedly a misstep.
Now, word has it that Ahmad Shapawi is still keen on returning to mainstream sports. Whether those rumours hold any weight remains to be seen.
Instead of chasing positions, perhaps he should focus on highlighting the real issues plaguing Malaysian sports. Since the start of 2025, the domestic sports scene has been marred by governance and administrative chaos.
The non-payment of wages for footballers and coaches in the M-League – an annual fiasco – continues to dominate headlines. The Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association finally held its much-delayed annual general meeting and elections, which, unsurprisingly, came with its fair share of drama. Megat Shahriman (yes, the same one) was left fuming after being barred from contesting.
At the national level, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation recently “removed” several journalists from its WhatsApp group – presumably due to their critical reporting of the body. In contrast, the FA of Malaysia (FAM), despite facing relentless criticism, has yet to resort to such censorship.
Then there’s the ongoing saga involving Malaysia Athletics – with allegations of misappropriation of funds and power plays ahead of its upcoming elections. Over in bodybuilding, Kuala Lumpur Bodybuilding Association president K. Krishna claims the appointments of the Malaysia Bodybuilding Federation’s president and treasurer were invalid – prompting a report to the Sports Commissioner’s Office.
And now, the Malaysian Fencing Federation is in the spotlight for allegedly suspending its top fencer, Uzair Zafran Badroel Rizwan, from the upcoming World Championships.
Let’s not forget the race to fill the NSC’s top job – with Abdul Rashid Yaakub’s contract as director-general expiring next month.
The late Datuk Sieh Kok Chi and former NSC director-general Datuk Wira Mazlan Ahmad were voices of reason in Malaysian sports. Sieh – a former national water polo player and long-serving official at the Olympic Council of Malaysia – was never shy about speaking his mind.
Mazlan – the mastermind behind the Jaya 98 programme that paved the way for Malaysia’s success at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur – was similarly forthright. However, he has now stepped away from the scene to focus on his health.
Malaysia desperately needs people who will call a spade a spade. Too much time, energy, and taxpayers’ money have been squandered on pointless initiatives. Ministers have come and gone over the past three decades – yet none have succeeded in transforming Malaysia into a true sporting nation. In some areas, we have even regressed.
Perhaps the torch should now be passed to Abdul Rashid. As unassuming as he may be, his wealth of experience could make him an invaluable voice in an era where transparency, accountability, and access to information are more crucial than ever.
He has seen how, in the past, sports officials would gather at coffee shops to air their grievances – conversations that now take place on social media, for all the world to see. He understands how certain parties are quick to jump on “viral” or “meletop” controversies – and why it is essential to remain level-headed, and focus on real solutions, instead of chasing online approval.
He also knows that sports is expensive – and that the NSC cannot continue bailing out national sports associations indefinitely. If these associations insist that taxpayer funding is their right, they must be willing to abide by the NSC’s rules.
But critics may argue that Abdul Rashid lacked the influence of Sieh, Mazlan, or even Ahmad Shapawi. He is, after all, Mr Nice Guy – not one to put on boxing gloves, step into the ring, and deliver a knockout punch.
The question remains – will Abdul Rashid rise to the challenge? Or will he quietly retreat and tend to his garden?
One thing is certain – the obsession with being “diplomatically correct” is hurting Malaysian sports. The country needs a true statesman – or stateswoman – whose words carry weight and influence, now more than ever.
