KUALA LUMPUR – With new leadership at the helm at the Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF), former national high-jump athlete Lee Hup Wei hopes the fresh management will take greater initiative in lifting Malaysian athletics to a higher level.
During the MAF elections last Sunday, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim became the new president after defeating incumbent Datuk S.M. Muthu.
Speaking to The Vibes, Lee said the new management should put the athletes and their coaches first at the forefront of the federation.
“I really hope they can make good changes that will benefit the athletes and coaches, unlike the previous administration.
“The priority should be the wellbeing of those performing in competitions and not for the management to merely look after themselves,” he said.
He said although Shahidan had held the MAF president role before (2006 to 2012), it is crucial that the new technical chairman of the governing body work efficiently and effectively.
“We need someone that understands what it’s like to be in athletes and coaches’ shoes so that communication among one another will be smoother.”
The previous position of MAF deputy president was held by Datuk Mumtaz Jaafar, who Lee said did not do a good job when it came to caring for athletes’ well-being.
“They need to know the ins and outs of sports management, not basic association managerial skills.
“It is crucial that moving forward, the federation could be one that both athletes and coaches can rely on, and not have to butt heads for the improvement of our nation’s athletics,” added the 35-year-old.
Lee, who retired in March after 18 years of service to the nation in athletics, has now turned his focus towards coaching the national high jump back up squad.
He has also opened his own academy to produce more talented athletes for the country.
Throughout his career as a national athlete, the Kajang-born 35-year-old recorded a personal best record of 2.29m and represented the country at three Olympic Games, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Tokyo 2020 in his event.
He also competed in three Asian Games, Doha 2006, Guangzhou 2010, and Jakarta-Palembang 2018, as well as two Commonwealth Games, New Delhi 2010 and Gold Coast 2018. – The Vibes, June 16, 2022
