KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Athletics Federation’s (MAF) election is around the corner, with athletes and coaches hoping for new leadership to take control.
A high-profile athlete has come forward with concerns about current MAF president Datuk S.M. Muthu as the incumbent is slated to defend his position against Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and Perak Athletics Association council member Nurhayati Karim.
The elections are set to take place on Sunday during the federation’s annual general meeting, and the athlete said he wishes for the federation to take on new management, as the current one has no interest in the well-being of the athletes.
“The current MAF leadership does not support the athletes at all. We have been sidelined by those in charge.
He (Muthu) just wants to stay in power and stay in his position, even though he lacks passion for athletics,” said the athlete, who wished to remain anonymous.
The athlete said that other athletes were ignored during the pandemic, as their regular training facilities were forced to shutter.
“We told them that we needed a proper place to train, as many of us could only stay home and train by ourselves.
“It took them more than four months to provide us the facilities at the National Sports Council (NSC),” added the athlete.
The high-profile athlete also said that if Muthu wins the upcoming elections, they have no intention of staying in the fraternity.
“If he wins, I will leave MAF. There is no reason for me to stay.
“They only spoil the athletes’ future and hard work put in. All they look out for is themselves.”
The athlete also mentioned that if they were to reveal themself, it would put a target on their back.
“If Muthu wins the elections, and he knows I spoke out against him, he will come after me.
“Athletes should not have to be mixed in with politics, but with the current management, we do not have a choice.
We always have to find our own competitions. They serve no purpose even though they hold the power,” the athlete added.
Previously, a coach within the fraternity also raised concerns over Muthu’s leadership, saying that the current president lacks passion and is not open to criticism.
When The Vibes reached out to Muthu on June 6, he said: “I don’t want to talk about this issue, as the elections are coming up.”
“I do not have time for all these issues. I do not want to say anything about it to you people.” – The Vibes, June 9, 2022
