Sports commissioner rejects MA’s bid to reshape federal territories athletics

Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan's athletics scenario remains unchanged after the Malaysia Athletics (MA) bid to modify federal territories' athletics constitution was rejected by the sports commissioner. The aim of the proposed amendment was to replace the words “consist of” with “combine” in Clause 7.1(a), describing the three territories.

However, the sports commissioner, Arriffin Ghani, confirmed the amendment's rejection. He added that he would soon meet the involved parties to expedite the Federal Territories Athletics Association (FTAA) affiliation with the national body. The FTAA president, V Pulainthiran, welcomed the decision but stated they hadn't received a formal notification.

The association raised concerns that the term “combine” might suggest a merger of the three separately registered athletics associations. MA will now follow the constitutional process for its amendments, with the executive council expected to endorse the changes next month or in November. Meanwhile, MA is undergoing a wider constitutional review to meet World Athletics requirements, and interim approval has been given for other amendments, subject to conditions.

One proposed by-law, covering guidelines for MA’s contractor registration system, was rejected, while the focus is now shifting back to the sport and developing athletes in the three territories.