KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin has retained the Malaysia Paralympic Council (MPC) president's post after defeating Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail in a straight fight today.
In what was expected to be a close fight, Shahriman outscored Shapawi 14-10 during MPC's annual general meeting-cum-elections for the 2025-2028 term held at the Paralympic Centre of Excellence in Kampung Pandan.
Shahriman's victory comes after he filed a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday against two individuals, alleging elements of corruption and breach of ethics in the election process.
Shahriman, who initially took the reins in Dec 2019, said he is looking forward to strengthening MPC together with the new line up of office bearers.
"It is a historic day for the national para sports family. We now look forward to strengthening para sports in Malaysia," said Shahriman.
"I would like to thank Datuk Shapawi for contesting and his willingness to contribute to para sports.
"We have a busy four years ahead with the Commonwealth and Asian Para Games in 2026, the Asean Para Games (2025, 2027) as well as the 2028 Paralympics, so we have much to do.
"I am determined to make sure we achieve all our goals which includes strengthening our finances."
Shapawi, who is the former National Sports Council director-general, had a few grouses but maintained a positive outlook overall after his defeat.
"There was a decision to change the voting process during the AGM to a secret ballot instead of open voting (by raising hands) which may have swayed the outcome," said Shapawi.
"There were a few issues regarding decisions made by the exco, however, overall I feel that the meeting was conducted according to the set agenda.
"I was asked to contest and I did it with an open heart. The affiliates have made their decision and I respect that. I will not be filing any complaints to the Sports Commissioner's Office.
"I wish them (new office bearers) the best and am willing to support them if they need my help."
Former MPC vice president K.M. Rajendran is now the new deputy president after defeating Senator (R) Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi 14-10. Dr. S. Radha Krishnan decided not to defend the deputy president post.
First Admiral (Rtd) Datuk Subramaniam Raman Nair retained the secretary-general post despite being tied 12-12 with Zarrawi Ravi Abdullah as the latter agreed to be the assistant secretary-general.
Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill was also elected as one of four vice presidents.
Malaysia Paralympic Council Office bearers 2025-2028
President: Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin
Deputy president : K. M. Rajendran
Vice presidents: Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill, Dr Ang Kean Koo, Joshua Edgar Mariyee Joseph
Vice president (disabled): Datuk Haji Mah Hassan Hj Omar
Secretary-general: Datuk Subramaniam Raman Nair
Assistant secretary-general: Zarrawi Ravi Abdullah
Treasurer: P. S. Kumarusamy
Deputy treasurer: Rattna Aizan Mohd Idris