Malaysia Athletics clarifies delay in FTAA affiliation

 The national athletics body says the Federal Territories Athletics Association affiliation application will be tabled at the next MA council meeting.

Malaysia Athletics said it remains committed to upholding good governance and sporting integrity in the best interest of national athletics development. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Malaysia Athletics (MA) says the delay in granting affiliate status to the Federal Territories Athletics Association (FTAA) was due to incomplete supporting documents.

MA also said FTAA’s application was only received a few days before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Bernama reported.

The national athletics body added that with the application having been received after the last council meeting in early March, it will only be tabled for due consideration at the next MA council meeting.

“As such, all parties are respectfully urged to allow this process to take place in accordance with MA’s constitution and established governance practices,” MA said in a statement.

According to MA, under its constitution, FTAA’s formation must comprise valid representation from Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya. The affiliation process must then undergo proper review and formal endorsement by the MA council in accordance with its governance procedures.

It also said no athletes or officials would be disadvantaged during the affiliation process as athletes from the federal territories who have qualified for upcoming competitions will continue to receive support.

MA noted that athletics officials from the federal territories have not missed opportunities to participate in examinations, such as that for technical officials scheduled for next month.

MA emphasised that the focus of athletics should remain on performance, development, and unity, rather than unnecessary controversy that could affect the sport’s reputation.

It added that it welcomes the guidance of relevant authorities, including the sports commissioner, and remains committed to upholding good governance and sporting integrity in the best interest of national athletics development.

Yesterday, FMT reported that Sports Commissioner Arrifin Ghani will call MA for a meeting early next week to explain the delay in granting affiliate status to FTAA.

Arrifin said his office viewed the application as complete and in line with requirements, and now wants clarity on why the process has stalled.

The sports commissioner’s office approved FTAA’s constitution on July 7, 2025 after consultations with relevant parties. Officials circulated that approval, including to MA, 11 days later. - FMT