TYCOON Mokhzani Mahathir has replaced Azman Yahya as the new president of the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), while acting chief executive officer (CEO) Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali resigned from all position held in the organisation.

Razlan told The Malaysian Insight that the change in presidency took place last week as part of a restructuring exercise.

Mokhzani resigned from the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in 2016 after serving as chairman for 13 years. He was then succeeded by Azman.

As for Razlan, he said he gave up his position in MAM to ensure good corporate governance, transparency and prevent conflict of interest by holding multiple positions, in both the MAM and the SIC, where he serves as the CEO.

“For the betterment of Malaysian motorsports development, continued credibility of MAM and to erase doubts, it was best that I relinquished this position and provide support and advise as affiliated promoter via SIC to MAM,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“There’s still work to be done at SIC to ensure continued progress and sustainability.

Razlan submitted his resignation letter to Mokhzani. He will be succeeded by Muizz Azli at MAM.

Earlier today, The Malaysian Insight reported that the government has lobbied for MAM to takeover the role of the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) as the main motorsports authority in the country.

According to sources, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has written an official letter to the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) in September to seek its recognition of MAM as the governing body of 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.

The letter named Azman as the president of MAM and Razlan as the vice-president of MAM’s management committee.

Confirming the report, Razlan said MAM was advised by former FIM president Vito Ippolito in August, to get a recognition letter for its application as the ASN for Malaysia.

“After we sought advice by the then FIM president at a meeting in August during the British MotoGP attended by KBS (Youth and Sports Ministry) and MAM, we were advised to acquire a recognition letter to support our application.”

Razlan said the results will only be known after the FIM and the Fédération Internationale del’Automobile, which governs four-wheel-drive races, convenes its respective general assemblies.

As of now, AAM is still recognised by FIM and FIA.

“Both FIM and FIA have their due processes. Currently AAM is still recognised but with the current situation faced by AAM, i.e the revocation by the Sports Commission, both FIA and FIM are aware and they will seek a response from AAM,” Razlan said.

“Its implications (the non-non-recognition of AAM by the sports commissioner) (and) MAM’s application will be discussed at their respective senate and Board meetings and (they will) decide whether it is considered an emergency situation or (to) present at the general assembly in November.”

Meanwhile, AAM was only 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 ground, AAM said it will continue to perform its duties and is actively pursuing options to address the issue.

Industry sources said, AAM has not breached the requirements of the international bodies for it to lose its recognition. – March 21, 2019.