PETALING JAYA: In a dramatic turn of events, Datuk Karim Ibrahim (pic) has made a comeback as the Malaysian Athletics (MA) president, reclaiming the top post after a decisive win at the annual general meeting yesterday.

Karim, who previously held the position from 2015 to 2019, received 25 votes, comfortably defeating current deputy president Datuk Seri Mark William Ling, who garnered 14 votes.

The leadership reshuffle came amid a surprise decision by outgoing president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, who withdrew from the race moments before the vote, despite having previously declared his intent to run for another term.

Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Abdullah, president of the Terengganu Athletics Association, had also initially been in the running for the presidency but withdrew at the eleventh hour to contest for the deputy president’s seat, which he won with 22 votes.

The results were officially confirmed by Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) general manager Fong Wan Hor.

The newly elected vice-presidents are Datuk R. Annamalai, N. Padmanathan, and Prof Dr Mohd Rusli Abdullah.

Karim returns with a mission – to halt the decline in Malaysian athletics and revive its competitiveness on the regional and international stage.

“I feel our performance has dipped since 2017, and that must be addressed,” said Karim.

“Now that I’m back, we will work closely with the National Sports Council (NSC) to improve the sport.

“Collaboration will be key.”

Shahidan explained his exit plan.

“I chose to step aside and let my friends lead the association to bring about change,” Shahidan said.

He added that his decision was partly influenced by the upcoming general elections, as well as his desire to concentrate on a single sporting body.

“I will now focus solely on my role with Malaysia Swimming.

“It’s best not to spread myself thin.”

Shahidan’s abrupt exit, however, comes against the backdrop of growing internal tension within MA.

National discus thrower Irfan Shamsuddin recently accused the top leadership of intimidation and emotional pressure, claims Shahidan swiftly denied.

He suggested that Irfan’s comments may have been swayed by “individuals with their own motives”.

As MA enter a new chapter under Karim’s stewardship, questions remain about how the body will address past criticisms, repair fractured relationships, and drive progress.

For Malaysian athletics, the hope is clear – unity, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose to restore its pride and presence in the region.