PUTRAJAYA — Former National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail is set to file a defamation suit against Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin.
The legal action stems from allegations that Megat made false accusations against Shapawi in the lead-up to the PCM annual general meeting (AGM) on December 15.
“My legal team is reviewing an action plan. We have received numerous opinions and advice from friends within the sports community to pursue this matter further,” Shapawi told the press after lodging a police report at the Precinct 7 Police Station here, today.
He was accompanied by his lawyer Datuk Michael Wong who is also former president of the Malaysian Canoe Association (MASCA).
Michael said the police report was filed under Section 500 of the Penal Code.
“Following this, we will proceed with a defamation suit in the High Court. To be clear, we have no issue if someone lodges a report. What we are questioning is Megat’s motive in going to the media and tarnishing my client’s reputation,” Michael said.
On 14 December, a day before the AGM, Megat issued a press statement alleging that Shapawi and Mohd Sofian Hamzah, the NSC Paralympic division director, had bribed the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to secure nominations for the AGM. Megat also filed a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the matter.
The next day, Megat was re-elected as PCM president, defeating Shapawi by 14 votes to 10.
When asked why he had waited till now to lodge a report, Shapawi said: “For those who know me, I am not a confrontational person. I am not even challenging the outcome of the AGM.
“I took time because I wanted to allow MACC to investigate the report filed by Megat. So far, I’ve heard nothing from them and am unsure if there’s even a case against me. If they call me, I will cooperate as any law-abiding citizen would.
“What I find suspicious is the timing. My nomination was submitted two weeks earlier. Why did Megat only decide to lodge his report with MACC a day before the elections?”
Shapawi also claimed what he called a “concerning trend” with Megat, citing a similar situation during the previous AGM involving former Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
“Although no formal reports were made then, there were plenty of accusations spread on social media, seemingly to tarnish reputations,” Shapawi said.
Despite the ongoing disputes, Shapawi expressed confidence in the NSC’s professionalism and commitment to supporting Malaysian para-athletes.
“I believe the NSC will remain professional and uphold their responsibilities. The PCM Secretary General is also a member of the NSC board,” he added.
Separately, Michael revealed that he has been mandated by two National Sports Association to file a complaint with the Sports Commissioner’s Office to nullify the PCM AGM. – January 2, 2025