MA Denies Misappropriation Of Funds As Claimed By Council Member

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF), now known as Malaysia Athletics (MA), has denied allegations of misappropriation of funds in the organisation related to the Malaysian Athletics Awards Night in January last year.

MA president, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, said claims submitted by a Supreme Council member is still in the process of being reviewed and to date, no payment has been made.

"A meeting will be held to examine this issue in detail and appropriate action will be taken if it is proven that there has been wrongdoing. Members of the Executive Council are very upset and disappointed with the action of a council member who made the allegation in a recent media report," he said at a press conference here today.

He was commenting on a statement by the Deputy President Datuk Fadzil A. Bakar, in reports by several portals claiming that there was misuse of funds in the union, when a council member was said to have submitted claims involving the Awards Night through his company, when the MA had received sponsorship.

Meanwhile, Shahidan also denied claims that the annual general meeting (AGM) for the selection of the national athletics governing body, which must be held before June 30, will be postponed to next year.

He stressed that the AGM will still be held this year, with the date to be set at the next Supreme Council meeting.

"No decision was made (to postpone the AGM), I don't know about the chats. If there is a decision, there will definitely be a statement from me," he said, adding that the Sports Commissioner's Office (PJS) had approved the amendment to the association's constitution on Jan 15. 

When asked if he would defend his position at the AGM, Shahidan said the matter would be announced later, adding that he was willing to step down if there was a more qualified candidate to lead the National body.

Shahidan returned as President after defeating the then incumbent, Datuk SM Muthu, in 2022. He previously held the position from 2006 to 2012.

Among the constitutional amendments reported was the change in the one-term leadership term from three years with a maximum of three terms to four years with a maximum of two terms.

--BERNAMA