KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia Athletics (MA) president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has confirmed his intention to defend his position in the upcoming elections on June 15.
However, he emphasised that he is open to stepping down if a candidate capable of driving greater progress for MA emerges, adding that he would fully support such an individual for the betterment of Malaysian athletics.
“InsyaAllah, for now, I will contest the MA presidency.
“I have no issue relinquishing the role if my challenger can offer something better for MA,” he told reporters after the MA council meeting here today.
Shahidan previously led the national athletics governing body from 2006 to 2012 before returning to the role in June 2022. In that election, he narrowly defeated incumbent Datuk SM Muthu by four votes.
If re-elected, he said his main priority would be preparing athletes for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, set to take place from December 9 to 20.
“The SEA Games are like a mini-Olympics for Southeast Asia. We must work towards winning more medals, as emphasised by the Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh,” he said. — March 6, 2025