Sports commissioner probes Malaysia Athletics over Karim Ibrahim’s comeback By Frankie D'Cruz

FMT : A rule change that allowed the World Athletics–banned official to reclaim the presidency is now under official scrutiny. KUALA LUMPUR: The sports commissioner has launched an investigation into Malaysia Athletics (MA) after a complaint over a controversial rule change.

The amendment cleared the way for Karim Ibrahim to reclaim the MA presidency, despite a ban that is effectively for life. The complaint alleges the constitutional change — which introduced a “five-year cap” on suspensions — violated national sports regulations. 

It also claims MA ignored a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling and breached the World Athletics’ governance code, allowing a banned official to resume office in defiance of international sanctions. The Federal Territory Athletics Association (FTAA), which filed the complaint, called the amendment “unconstitutional and self-serving.” 

FTAA president V Pulainthiran said MA’s revised Article 13.2.8 breached the Sports Commissioner’s Circular No 2 of 2022. The circular bars amendments that alter an association’s objectives or favour specific individuals. “The amendment explicitly allowed Karim Ibrahim to be re-nominated despite being suspended by World Athletics,” FTAA said. 

Karim Ibrahim (third from left) and members of the newly elected Malaysia Athletics council after his re-election in June — a comeback now under scrutiny by the Sports Commissioner’s Office. “This contradicts principles of good governance under both World Athletics and the Sports Commissioner’s Office.” The complaint was also sent to youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh, who referred the matter to the sports commissioner for further action. 

Attached documents show World Athletics reaffirming that Karim’s suspension is permanent. In an email to FTAA, compliance officer Niels Lindholm confirmed the sanction, imposed after a 2018 CAS ruling, carries no time limit. CAS had found Karim guilty of misusing athlete allowances during a 2009 training camp and advising athletes to avoid doping tests before the 2011 SEA Games.

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