THE Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) are determined to practise a "more inclusive, less confrontational" approach to governing motorsports in the country.
It has been just over a year since MAM took over from the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) — who were deregistered by the Sports Commissioner's Office in late 2018 due to various infractions — as the main sanctioning body for Malaysian motorsports.
Earlier, certain parties were against the move to replace AAM with MAM — due to MAM's links with the Sepang International Circuit — as they feared that it would lead to a monopoly of Malaysian motorsports.
MAM president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir assured that they are doing their best to steer motorsports in the right direction. However, they are resigned to the fact that they cannot please everyone.
"MAM's main role is to ensure continuity in the implementation of standards set by FIA, FIM, CIK (world bodies for car, motorcycle and karting) and other governing bodies involved in motorsports," said Mokzani, in an email interview.
"This covers many aspects including but not limited to track safety, driver and rider licensing, sanctioning of events, promotion of events, liaising with the government and many others.
"MAM's approach may be different from our predecessor but the implementation of those standards is the same. In fact, some say we are more lenient.
"MAM has only been working as the sole sanctioning body for a year compared to its predecessor (AAM). We want to be more inclusive, less confrontational with an aim to make entry into (motorsports) and participation in motorsports easier, less expensive, safer and more sustainable.
"MAM is, in that sense, a clean slate for the progress of motorsports. We welcome input from those who wish to get involved but hope everyone respects each other in the process.
"It takes all sides to support this before we see some success. I don't expect everyone to be happy with MAM but my goal is for motorsports to keep progressing with nothing or no one hindering its development."
Mokhzani stressed that while MAM are new in their role as the sanctioning body for Malaysian motorsports, they do not lack the necessary experience to carry out their duties.
"Besides the principal body itself, the (various) commissions under MAM are filled with personnel who have years of experience and involvement in motorsports, past and present," said Mokhzani who served as SIC chairman for 13 years from 2003-2016.
In addition to conventional motorsports, MAM are also actively promoting esports. They launched their e-racing championship during the Movement Control Order earlier this year.