Kuala lumpur: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh hopes the current leadership turmoil within Malaysia Athletics (MA) will not affect the preparation of national athletes ahead of the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand next month. She emphasized the urgent need to resolve the dispute over the legitimacy of certain appointments within the athletics governing body, given the limited time before the Games.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hannah Yeoh reiterated the importance of sports administration and the management of sports associations in ensuring that athletes remain unaffected and that sports development proceeds without hindrance from administrative issues. She highlighted the disruptions caused by differing opinions and complaints, which can impede the growth of the sport.

Hannah confirmed that the Sports Commissioner’s Office (PJS) is currently conducting a preliminary investigation into a complaint, and the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) is awaiting the outcome to determine the next steps. She stressed the significance of athletics for Malaysia, noting its substantial contribution to the medal tally in multi-sport events, which underscores the need for a swift resolution to the ongoing matter.

In a recent report, Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Athletics Association (FTKLAA) president Datuk Seri Dr V. Pulainthiran alleged that amendments were made to MA’s constitution, enabling the current leader to be re-elected as president for the 2025-2028 term.