Motorsports in limbo, warns AAM after deregistration

Events such as MotoGP must have the sanction of the world body. (AFP pic)

PETALING JAYA: Deregistration of the Automobile Association of Malaysia by Putrajaya will place motorsports in limbo and affect Malaysia’s international reputation, says AAM chairman Tunku Mudzaffar Mustapha.

Speaking to FMT, Mudzaffar lamented that despite AAM being in constant communication with the Sports Commissioner’s office over issues it faced, it had suddenly been deregistered on Nov. 30.

AAM is the only Malaysian sporting body sanctioned by three of the world’s leading motorsports organisations, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK).

Any motorcar, motorcyle or go-kart event which requires the sanction of FIA, FIM or CIK must get the licence from AAM.

AAM is required to provide the licence and insurance for the events and racers, and for Malaysian racers planning to compete overseas.

Mudzaffar said the SC had asked AAM to submit its annual accounts and make amendments to its constitution. AAM had informed the SC about its course of action, including tabling changes to its constitution at the next AGM.

“It’s a lengthy process but it was being undertaken, so we were surprised to receive the deregistration notice suddenly without even being suspended first.”

The SC had even told them in meetings prior to deregistration that dozens of other sporting bodies also faced similar issues.

“In the letter notifying us of the deregistration, we were given 30 days to appeal to the Youth and Sports Minister. But we were not given the opportunity to present our appeal to the minister.”

If AAM was not allowed to continue, there would be uncertainty in the motorsports fraternity as no other Malaysian body was recognised by the FIA, FIM and CIK.

An industry source told FMT that Putrajaya had lobbied for the Motorsports Association of Malaysia to be the governing body for motorcycling months before AAM was deregistered.

The source said that MAM, now led by tycoon Mokhzani Mahathir, could not assume the role taken by AAM unless the international bodies recognised them.

“But this is not an overnight process as these decisions are made during the general assemblies of these bodies, which will investigate why AAM has been deregistered and why MAM should be recognised.

“If AAM cannot function, Malaysia will not be be able to host major international events like the MotorGP, simply because AAM is the sole sanctioning body in Malaysia.”

This would be a disaster for racers and businesses involved in motorsports, such as suppliers and workshops.

When contacted, Syed Saddiq did not respond to the question of the alleged lobbying for MAM. He told FMT that AAM has been suspended for consistently breaching the provisions of the Sports Development Act.

“Many warnings have been given out before, the complaints came from the motorsports community themselves. It is important for the international regulatory bodies to be aware of this and take whatever action necessary.”

He added the government did not dictate what the international bodies should or should not do. - FMT