The office held that the election of the present council was based on the constitution before the amendments on Jan 15.

“As such, there is no basis in extending their term by another year,” said a source from the office.

He said Malaysia Athletics was reminded to abide by the constitution and conduct the elections, due by June 30.

The recent amendment extended the office-bearers’ terms from three to four years, with a limit of two terms.

It came with the change of name from Malaysia Athletics Federation to Malaysia Athletics.

Previously, it was a maximum of three, three-year terms.

Senior officers from the sports commissioner’s office met with Malaysia Athletics president Shahidan Kassim on Wednesday to discuss the changes to the constitution.

Asked if Malaysia Athletics had grounds for appeal, the source said the four years, per term, will only apply after the coming annual general meeting.

The source said any move for the amendment to be adopted during this year’s AGM to postpone the elections to next year could be deemed as manoeuvring.

The meeting followed disapproval from certain council members and affiliates over an attempt by certain parties to push the elections to next year.

They claimed Shahidan and some council members wanted to remain until next year for fear of being challenged.

Critics have held Shahidan responsible for failing to transform Malaysian athletics since taking office in 2022 for a three-year term. He previously served as president from 2006 to 2012.