KUALA LUMPUR: Natural Resources and Environment Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has withdrawn from the race for the Kuala Lumpur FA (KLFA) presidency.
In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Nik Nazmi said his decision followed a cabinet meeting.
"The Cabinet has decided that its members should not contest positions in sports associations," he tweeted.
"As such, I accept this decision and will withdraw from running for the top post at KLFA."
He added that he remains committed to supporting KLFA in developing a healthy football ecosystem and backing the success of KL City FC as a professional team.
"At the same time, I will continue to oversee Setiawangsa Rangers Football Club, one of the affiliate clubs of KLFA, which I founded in 2018."
Meanwhile, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also eyeing the KLFA top spot, has not commented since the cabinet meeting.
The KLFA elections are scheduled for Sept. 7. However, the elections may be postponed due to an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission into vote-buying allegations.