PUTRAJAYA has made attempts to push the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) out as the main motorsports authority in the country, a role which the association has held for decades, said industry sources.

The government is instead lobbying for the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) to take over the role as the country’s authority in motorsports.

Industry sources told The Malaysian Insight that the Youth and Sports Ministry has announced that it no longer recognises AAM as the authority for such races in Malaysia.

They added that Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman had written an official letter to the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) in September to seek its recognition of MAM as the governing Federation of Motorcycliste Nationale (FMN) or National Auto Sports Authority (ASN) for Malaysia.

The letter sighted by The Malaysian Insight also stated that MAM has the full backing of the ministry for its application to become a member of FIM.

“The ministry is responsible for the development of all sports in Malaysia, including motorsports. This letter is to certify that the ministry affirms and recognises MAM as the governing body of FMN in Malaysia,” the letter read.

“In addition, MAM is managed by a management committee which consists of… individuals who are competent and have significantly contributed to the development of Malaysian motorsports. Their remarkable efforts in the establishment of Malaysian riders are portrayed through programmes and events in MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto 3.”

The letter named Azman Yahya as the president of MAM and Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali as the vice-president. Ahmad Razlan is also the CEO of the Sepang International Circuit.

“We humbly hope FIM as the international governing body for motorcyclists considers this application and approves MAM as the FMN for Malaysia, as we strongly believe in the ability of the MAM committee to spearhead the development of motorsports in Malaysia,” said Syed Saddiq in the letter.

Industry sources said the endorsement was done prior to AAM being notified that it was no longer recognised as the authority in charge of sanctioning and issuing race licences and insurance and handling other matters related to motorsports.

AAM was notified by the ministry in January that it is no longer recognised as the ASN and FMN for two-wheel events with immediate effect.

Last week, the sports commissioner reportedly said the decision was made after AAM failed to submit its annual reports and amend its constitution.

Checks on the FIM website revealed that AAM is still listed as the governing body for Malaysian two-wheel motorsports

AAM said in a statement there were inaccuracies in the sports commissioner’s statement on the non-recognition of the association. This, it said, has raised more questions than answers.

“AAM is still the motorsports sanctioning authority in Malaysia through the mandate given by the International Motorsports Authorities (FIA, FIM, and CIK).

“It is the responsibility of AAM to perform its functions in sanctioning issuance of racing licences, insurance, and other matters relating to motorsports as set out in the guidelines set by the international motorsports authorities,” it said.

Standing its grounds, AAM said it will continue to perform its duties and is actively pursuing options to address the issue.

Sources told The Malaysian Insight that the government’s move has put future races including the MotoGP in limbo.

“AAM is the one in charge of sanctioning insurance. What will happen to drivers or riders who get injured? Who will sanction races?” said a source.

This has brought the situation to a stalemate, said a source, as AAM still holds the recognition of FIM as the ASN and FMN for motorcycle races in Malaysia, although the government no longer recognises the body as the governing authority.

AAM has not breached FIM’s requirement for it to lose its recognition, added the source.

The Malaysian Insight is still waiting for MAM’s comments. – March 21, 2019.