Pekan Ramli has a sinking feeling about Malaysian swimming

New Straits Times

29-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) elections were a missed opportunity for much-needed leadership renewal, said sports critic Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli.
He believes that a change in MAS direction is essential to reviving the country's ailing swimming fortunes.
At its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, MAS announced that Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim has retained his president's post unopposed, and will continue for another two years.
Pekan expressed his disappointment over the outcome, describing it as a step towards stagnation.
While acknowledging the political reality of Shahidan's presidency, Pekan felt that the national association should have used the opportunity to pass the baton to a younger generation.
"Frankly, I was hoping for a change in leadership," he said when contacted by Timesport today.
"This was a moment when a transition could have taken place. We need to give responsibility to younger individuals to lead sports like this."
He also dwelled on the lack of leadership challenge, suggesting potential candidates may not have had sufficient backing from affiliates or lacked confidence.
"It could be that they have not yet received support from affiliates, or perhaps the younger leaders do not feel ready to helm the association," said Pekan.
Malaysia won only two gold medals in swimming in the last two Sea Games, and Pekan believes this shows how far the country has fallen behind its regional rivals.
"Our swimming has clearly declined. A change is needed," he said.
Pekan noted that only MAS deputy president Marilyn Chua had spoken about plans to bring heritage swimmers to add depth and quality to the national team.
"I would have liked to hear directly from the president about his plans to revive the sport, especially with Malaysia set to host the 2027 Sea Games," said Pekan.