Kuala lumpur: Former Sports Commissioner Datuk Zaiton Othman has urged Malaysia Athletics (MA) to improve its governance and ensure full compliance with the constitution and guidelines of the World Athletics (WA). The former national athlete stated that any amendments or decisions that contradict the constitution of the world governing body could lead to severe consequences, including the suspension or cancellation of MA's registration. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zaiton warned that if MA faces action, it could jeopardize Malaysia's ability to organize athletics events at the 2027 SEA Games. This could also prevent national athletes from participating in international events recognized by WA. She emphasized that athletics is a significant contributor to the SEA Games medals tally, alongside swimming and shooting. Zaiton expressed her concerns, highlighting the importance of Malaysia hosting athletics events, and stated, "That's why we come forward to correct the situation." The issue was raised by the Reformation in Sports and Excellence (RISE) representative during a meeting with Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari at the Parliament building. Also present were Olympian Datuk Karu Selvaratnam and former chairman of the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB) Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed. Athletics events at the SEA Games offer 47 gold medals, with key events including the 100m race and the 4x100m relay. Zaiton, also known as the 'Iron Woman' from her days as a heptathlon athlete, noted that several former athletes and Olympians share her concerns about governance and compliance issues potentially affecting national athletes' performances. She mentioned that while the government cannot directly intervene in sports associations' administrative affairs, the Sports Development Act 1997 allows the ministry and the Sports Commissioner to ensure that these associations operate within the regulatory framework. Last month, MA president Karim Ibrahim took a leave of absence until the upc oming Annual General Meeting (AGM), allowing for constitutional amendments to align with the WA constitution. Karim's presidency has been under scrutiny since his suspension by the world governing body in 2018, a decision upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Despite this, he remains eligible to contest and serve on the Asian Athletics Federation Executive Council for the 2019-2023 term.