Shahidan perplexed by criticism

DATUK Seri Shahidan Kassim is puzzled over reports that newly-elected Malaysian Athletic Union (MAU) president Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad had questioned the professionalism of the union's officials.

Shahidan, after losing his president's post, left the annual general meeting before it was adjourned and without officiating the traditional handing-over of power ceremony on Sunday.

Shahidan insisted he did not do anything wrong by leaving the Commonwealth Hall in Bukit Jalil where the AGM was held. He had lost 21-23 to Zainal in the election.

Zainal, after being elected as MAU president, had lambasted those who failed to adhere to decorum.
Refuting claims he had acted unprofessionally, Shahidan said: "There was nothing of such in the meeting agenda about the handing-over of power ceremony.

"So, after the results which saw me narrowly losing my post as the president, I congratulated Datuk Zainal. We shook hands and I later headed off to the airport as I was late for my flight."
Shahidan said he accepted his defeat and would sign all the necessary documents.

"My approach is simple. I went down fighting and I respect that. For Zainal, my support is always with him. We support the good and we work together to achieve the best." By Sharanpal Singh Randhawa

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