KUALA LUMPUR – The Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) has received its confirmation of sporting power at the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) annual general assembly held in Bologna, Italy recently.
This makes it the sole authority appointed by the world body to regulate motorsports in Malaysia.
After successfully completing its mandatory two-year probation period, the confirmation was brought about pursuant to the recommendation of the FIA World Motor Sport Council, which had met earlier this year.
The confirmation marks a successful milestone for MAM, with the collaboration of all organisers, participants, and national governing bodies, under the guidance of the Youth and Sports Ministry and the FIA’s Asia-Pacific desk.
The exercise of the sporting power to the MAM is granted by FIA, under Article 3.3 of the FIA Statute.
As the sole authority, MAM is obliged to promote and achieve safety, fairness and social responsibility in the conduct of the sport in the country.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem congratulated MAM on its achievement.
“On behalf of the FIA, I would like to welcome the MAM to the FIA family and we look forward to growing motorsport participation in the region together,” he said in a statement.
FIA vice-president for Asia-Pacific, Lung Nien Lee, said the governing body is happy to support MAM as the FIA representative for all motorsports activities for Malaysia.
“Over the last three years, MAM has demonstrated their ability to manage, partner, and govern motorsports.
“We are confident that MAM will continue to raise the standard and to grow motorsport activities in the years to come,” he said.
Meanwhile, MAM president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir said the recognition by the FIA is a celebration for all motorsports participants and fans in Malaysia.
“Motorsports has always been a significant part of my sporting life.
“We have been the epicentre of motorsports in the region and with borders fully reopened, I foresee motorsports tourism will flourish again, as will motorsports activities throughout the country,” he said.
Mokhzani thanked all parties that supported MAM in making the FIA recognition happen, mainly the Youth and Sports Ministry, sports commissioner, organisers, circuit owners, sponsors, and motorsports fans.
“I thank you and I and hope we take motorsports in Malaysia to a higher place safely.”
The motorsports industry was hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought the ecosystem of the sport – comprising facilities, manufacturers, organisers, participants, and national talent participation – to its knees.
However, consistent efforts of all key players allowed motor racing to progress as soon as the opportunity enabled operations to commence in a progressive and controlled manner. – The Vibes, December 11, 2022
