Karim Ibrahim Takes Leave As MA President Ahead of AGM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Athletics (MA) president Datuk Karim Ibrahim has decided to take a leave of absence from leading the national body effective tomorrow until its Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled in June.

Karim said the decision was made to allow amendments to MA’s constitution to be carried out at next month’s AGM, in line with the constitution of World Athletics (WA).

He added, that during his absence, his duties would be assumed by MA deputy president Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh.

"I will take a leave of absence from my duties, during which I will not be involved in the day-to-day management, decision-making in Malaysia Athletics.

"During this period, I have requested that the Deputy President, Dato Wan Hisham and the Council assume full responsibility for the administration and executive functions of the Federation to ensure continuity, stability, and proper governance," he said during a MA press conference at the Hotel Olympic here today. 

Eloborating further, Karim said the proposed constitutional changes must first be submitted to WA before being approved by the Malaysian Sports Commissioner’s Office.

"This approach is undertaken in good faith and in the best interests of Malaysia Athletics, to ensure that governance alignment with World Athletics is completed in a structured, transparent, and constitutionally compliant manner," he added. 

Previously, Karim’s status as president had drawn attention following a suspension imposed on him in 2018 by the world governing body, a decision that was later upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

However, he was still allowed to contest and serve on the Asian Athletics Association Executive Council for the 2019–2023 term, even after the CAS ruling.

-- BERNAMA