KUALA LUMPUR – Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) vice-president Muhd Iqbal Sulaiman asserted that Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail must outline a clear vision for the governing body’s future if he wins the upcoming election.
Iqbal’s remarks come after Shapawi, a former National Sports Council (NSC) director, stepped out of retirement to challenge PCM’s incumbent president, Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin, in the PCM executive committee elections on December 14.
Speaking to Scoop, Iqbal said that Shapawi should leverage his 35 years of experience at NSC to elevate PCM’s standards and image, which he believes have been lacking in recent years.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and the Malaysian Canoe Association (MASCA), both PCM affiliate members, are understood to have nominated Shapawi for the presidency.
“I, along with several committee members in PCM definitely welcome his interest in contesting for the presidency. The fact that he is coming out of retirement shows his commitment to changing something in our system.
“Being PCM president is not an easy task. It requires someone with class and standards, not a dictator. I believe Shapawi fits the role, given his humble personality.
“He has worked with several sports ministers over the years and will undoubtedly know how to act as an effective liaison. Most importantly, if he comes to power, he must repair PCM’s relationship with the NSC and establish a clear direction for the governing body.
“PCM needs a major restructuring. Shapawi is a workaholic whose results speak for themselves. I hope he can form a team capable of delivering results for the council. I have full confidence in him, and if he wins, I know he will deliver,” Iqbal said when contacted.
In a recent interview with Scoop, Shapawi expressed frustration with PCM’s current leadership, accusing it of prioritising blame over fostering collaboration.
Although he did not elaborate, his remarks are believed to reference accusations from Megat, who blamed the NSC for the Malaysian para contingent’s failure to achieve their target of four gold medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Megat has held PCM’s presidency since 2019, after being elected unopposed. — December 9, 2024