The tussle between the youth and sports ministry and the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) continues, with the ministry – through the office of the sports commissioner (PJS) – issuing a press statement today officially stating AAM had been de-registered as a sports body, essentially reiterating the points it had made earlier this month on the matter.
The statement – made by sports commissioner Datuk Zaiton Othman – said that the PJS had decided that AAM was no longer fit to be the proper entity to represent motorsports interests in the country, and had thus de-registered AAM in that capacity on November 30 last year. She explained that the reason that led to this action was the association’s failure to adhere to the provisions of the Sports Development Act 1997.
She said that the association had failed to submit its annual and financial reports as well as relevant details of its activities from as early as 2016. As such, the PJS was left with no choice to take action, because AAM had not cooperated despite being given multiple reminders and show-cause letters to do so.
Zaiton said that with AAM’s status as a sports body having been cancelled, “the association no longer had the power to organise, engage, permit or participate in any related activities, including competitions, events or forum that is held for any sport, both locally and abroad.” She added that AAM had lodged an appeal with the youth and sports ministry, but that had been turned down.
According to Zaiton, the Federation Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA) and Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) had been informed about the de-registration of AAM as a sports body – and effectively, as the motorsports sanctioning authority in Malaysia – via letters dated March 8.
“As such, the role of the motorsport authority in Malaysia will be managed by a new sporting body, which will be announced in due course. For the time being, it is advised that all parties cease any dealings with AAM until the appointment of a new sporting authority is finalised,” she said.
From AAM’s viewpoint, its chairman Mudzaffar Mustapha said the association – which has been the only local sporting body sanctioned by the FIA, FIM and the Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK) – was de-registered by the PJS suddenly and without the benefit of a suspension period, Malaysian Insight reports.
“We were not suspended. But on November 30, 2018, we received a letter saying that the sports commissioner had de-registered us,” he said, adding that the association will continue its responsibilities and role as national motorsports authority.
“Until and unless decided otherwise, there cannot be a vacuum. As such, the AAM will still continue to issue licenses, insurance, sanction events as required of us according to the statutes of the FIA/FIM,” he said.
In its capacity as the recognised motorsports sanctioning body in Malaysia, AAM has been responsible for, among other things, the issuance of race driver licences and insurance for motorsports events in its motorsports capacity. Its removal as the defined motorsports sanctioning authority raises a number of pertinent issues.
While drivers wanting to apply for – or renew – a racing licence can still do so through AAM, it does bring about the question of validity. Having officially recognised licences that are or have been issued by a now-unofficial body does make for an interesting spin on things, given that AAM is no longer allowed to engage in motorsports-related activities, and this is such an activity.
Also, when the time comes that a new motorsports body is appointed, will the AAM-issued racing licences continue to be recognised, or will there be a need for racers to reapply for a new licence and pay a fresh application fee? The FIA and FIM have not yet responded to the issue, and are likely to take a fair bit of time to do so, given that major decisions are usually undertaken during general assemblies, and that’s quite a while away.
The omission of a motorsports sanctioning authority in the scheme of things at present also raises questions on whether race events can take place during this period of apparent void. Given that Sepang will be playing host to a number of racing events next month, the whole matter is causing a fair bit of confusion – as well as trepidation – within the racing fraternity.
Aside from the issues concerning insurance and validity of racing licences, sources have informed us that all sports activities now need a permit from the PJS before they can be run, so it remains to be seen if the PJS will issue these for the upcoming motor racing events without an official national motorsports body in place.
While the name of AAM’s replacement was not mentioned in the statement, news reports have indicated that the government is looking to endorse the appointment of the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) to replace AAM as the country’s primary motorsports authority. Earlier this week, MAM appointed Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir as its new president, in place of Tan Sri Azman Yahya.
What’s your take on the issue? Share your thoughts in the comments section, but remember to keep it civil.
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So, looks like AAM lied to us all. This is disgusting. Lying to the public.
This is the same AAM that took our membership money, some even for 5 years membership, then suddenly closed shop one day without refunding the balance.
This is the same AAM that gave us the tow truck service.
I hope this AAM refunds people’s money from their AAM membership for breakdown and tow truck service.
AAM haven’t been in the insurance business for 10 years. Please shut up Kunta. this is a car site, not a site for your fake news. go to Facebook if you want to troll
“… to appoint new cronies”. Fixed that for you Anthony.
If this was football(soccer), the government would be seriously reprimanded for meddling with the sports body, much less replace it with a new, more compliant one. In essence, the said country (Malaysia if this happens) would be barred from all related sanctioned-football(soccer) events.
I wonder if FIA would be just as displeased with these turn of events.
So….why didn’t AAM submit the documents required by the government? Furthermore AAM did not even mentioned about this in their response towards PJS so are they hiding something? Going ahead and disregarding the PJS will only get them into trouble.
Now AAM can focus on business… let the sports development run by a different body who focusing on all aspect for the betterment of our motor sports.
If indeed AAM have been deregistered, PJS must immediately appoint a new body. But If MAM is appointed to replace AAM, there will bound to be questions regarding cronyism as MAM’s new president is Mokhzani Mahathir.
There must be immediate continuity, else the Motorsports world will perceived Malaysian Motorsports is run by comedians.
Why they still insist that they are the governing body when they have so much problem internally?
Ignore all the politics…
Why AAM fail to submit the relevant details required since 2016?
They do that before 2016..what has change?
Questioning about suspension just reinforce the fact that they acknowledge their wrong doing.
Now add in political war factor…
U gave in a loop hole, what do u expect your ‘enemies’ will do? Say hello…how r u, u see there is a wrong doing here and there but i am ok with it and will let u patch it up before i come at you again…Dont forget to patch it up eh..?
ini gomen baru…masih bunch of jokera
Zaiton Othman also served under old govt…you want new govt to sack her arr???
Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir appointed as president of Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) just as the government is considering replacing AAM with MAM as the country’s primary motorsports authority? Sounds like same ol’ cronyism to me
They should all meet and kiss.
Can’t say AAM is innocent, nor KBS is wrong to take action. AAM can only blame itself for the predicament it is in.
AAM is fighting for its survival, but their days are numbered. At best, PJS may end up allowing AAM to operate up until MAM gets sanctioned by FIA, FIM, CIK. Afterwards, good riddance.
Tough luck for local motorsports community, but I think you should bear in mind AAM is a body that has never submitted their accounts since 2016, God knows what kinda mismanagement going on inside. AAM is dangling international bodies’ sanctions as get out of jail free to let them do as they like for now.
No comment… Cakap lebih2 nanti terkoyak pulak soft tissue karang…
Failure to submit annual and financial reports is very serious offence, not unlike whut happened in 1Mdb
Con-lan-firm MAM going to be the new body, what with TDM son sitting as President.
AAM already in deep sh!+ years ago, can’t find a buyer, can’t even pay staff, sold off all the tow trucks & now closing the PJ branch office. Used to be so rich & prestigious but the disease of songlap made it the way it is today. Pity the staff who are still unpaid but loyally going to work. Kena tipu by the AAM upper echelon.
Seriously KBS?
Seriously AAM?
Both being thick-headed?
also that sudden appointment of TS Mokhzani as president.. seriously MAM?
Another political gila kuasa fight. At the end of the day, one way or another, somehow, someone will walk away with some easy money…
Tutup AAM, lantik MAM. Next we will see F1 returns.
2022. So AAM is gone completely? Together with my 5 year membership? No more break down service?