KUALA LUMPUR: M. Ganesh has been elected the new president of the troubled Selangor Athletics Association (SAA).
Ganesh, who is the son of former SAA president Datuk SM Muthu, defeated incumbent Nurhayati Karim 15-9 in voting at their Annual General Meeting today.
SAA had faced internal problems for the last three years with six district presidents said to have lost faith in Nurhayati’s leadership.
Ganesh said after winning the election: “I view this outcome as a significant trust, rather than a personal victory. I respect all the delegates who have made their choice, including those who did not support me.
“I believe the delegates desire change that yields results —leadership that listens to the voices of its members, and an association with a clear direction.
“Their confidence must be built through realistic proposals, a determined approach to action, and a commitment to prioritising the interests of athletics in Selangor above those of any specific individual or group. Furthermore, I do not regard this election as a victory over any particular individual.
“Our responsibility is to work together for the future of athletics in Selangor. I do not wish to be judged based on the 15 votes cast in my favor, but rather on the results I can deliver for the entire Selangor athletics community. That is the principle of leadership I intend to demonstrate.
“Resolving these internal issues after three years is a positive development. I see this as an opportunity for SAA to turn a new page and refocus on the association’s core responsibilities.
“However, resolving internal issues alone is not enough; we must ensure that the same problems do not recur.
“Differences in opinion must be addressed through dialogue, adherence to the constitution, sound governance, and decision-making that prioritise the organisation’s interests.
“I do not want the new leadership to remain trapped in past disputes. We must learn from these experiences, address our shortcomings, and rebuild trust among the association, coaches, athletes, officials, and all other stakeholders,” said the 33-year-old Ganesh.
Former DAP leader Ong Kian Ming won the deputy presidency unopposed.
Andre Subbas and Arunasalam Mookan Pillai are vice-presidents. Yagnish Nadarajah was elected secretary and the treasurer is Manimaran Sukumaran treasurer.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Athletics acting president Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh said that Nurhayati will continue to serve as the national body secretary general despite failing to defend her SAA president post.