KUALA LUMPUR — Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin is once again in the spotlight, this time over allegations that he fabricated the claim of lodging a complaint with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against former National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail.
According to Shapawi’s lawyer, Datuk Michael Wong, sources within the MACC have indicated that no formal complaint was filed against his client in the lead-up to the PCM annual general meeting (AGM) for the 2025-2029 term last month.
For context, on December 14, the day before the AGM, Megat issued a press statement alleging that Shapawi and Mohd Sofian Hamzah, the NSC Paralympic division director, had bribed the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to secure nominations for the AGM.
A photograph of Megat holding a report in front of the MACC headquarters was also widely circulated.
The following day, Megat was re-elected as PCM president, defeating Shapawi by 14 votes to 10.
“I was informed (by sources within the MACC) that no complaint was lodged against my client. If this is true, it constitutes a very serious offence,” Michael told Scoop when contacted.
He added that he is gathering more information and seeking confirmation from the MACC.
On January 2, Shapawi, accompanied by Michael, lodged a police report at the Precinct 7 Station in Putrajaya, alleging that Megat had made false accusations against him.
The report was filed under Section 500 of the Penal Code, which pertains to defamation.
If these latest allegations are proven, they could significantly alter the narrative surrounding the incident.
Separately, Michael revealed that discussions are ongoing with two national sports associations (NSAs) that have mandated him to file a complaint with the Sports Commissioner’s Office to nullify the PCM AGM.
“We are finalising the report and expect to submit it to the Sports Commissioner’s Office within a week or two,” he said. — January 22, 2025