Kuala lumpur: Malaysian Athletics (MA) president Datuk Karim Ibrahim has decided to take a leave of absence from leading the national body effective tomorrow until its Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled in June. Karim stated that this decision was made to facilitate amendments to MA's constitution at the upcoming AGM, aligning it with the constitution of World Athletics (WA). During Karim's absence, his responsibilities will be managed by MA deputy president Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Karim expressed that he will not be involved in the daily management or decision-making process of Malaysian Athletics during his leave. He emphasized that he had requested Deputy President Dato Wan Hisham and the Council to take full responsibility for the administration and executive functions of the Federation to ensure continuity, stability, and proper governance. Karim made these remarks during a MA press conference held at the Hotel Olympic.

Karim further clarified that the proposed constitutional amendments must be submitted to WA before receiving approval from the Malaysian Sports Commissioner's Office. He described this approach as being in good faith and in the best interests of Malaysian Athletics, ensuring that governance alignment with World Athletics is conducted in a structured and transparent manner, adhering to constitutional compliance.

Previously, Karim's position as president came under scrutiny following a suspension imposed on him in 2018 by the world governing body. This decision was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Despite the CAS ruling, he was permitted to contest and serve on the Asian Athletics Association Executive Council for the 2019-2023 term.