Datuk Karim Ibrahim has officially announced he is taking a leave of absence from his role as President of Malaysia Athletics (MAF), bowing to immense pressure following deep internal divisions. The decision comes after months of friction within the council, where several members reportedly expressed a loss of confidence in his leadership style and handling of administrative affairs. By stepping aside, Karim aims to allow for an internal "cooling off period" and prevent further disruption to the national athletes' training schedules. 

The internal split within the MAF council has been characterized by disagreements over coaching appointments, selection criteria for international meets, and transparency in financial management. Several high-ranking officials had recently called for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to deliberate on a change in leadership, citing a lack of progress in the sport’s development. This power struggle has raised concerns among fans and stakeholders about the stability of Malaysian athletics as the nation prepares for the upcoming regional games.

In his absence, the Deputy President or a designated caretaker committee is expected to oversee day-to-day operations to ensure continuity for the national squad. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is also reportedly monitoring the situation closely, urging the council to resolve its differences professionally to avoid any negative impact on athlete performance. This leadership vacuum marks a critical turning point for the association as it seeks to rebuild trust and refocus on its primary mission of elevating Malaysian track and field.