Why is MAM still organising races despite suspension, asks AAM
NST
MALACCA: The Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) is ticked off over the apparent defiance of the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), which has been accused of flouting its suspension following the latter’s role in the Educational Innovation Motosports Automotive Race 2016 (Eimarace) tragedy in September.
AAM chairman Tunku Mudzaffar Tunku Mustapha said the national body had concluded its inquiry into the case on Sept 27 and had issued suspensions to both the clerks of course and the MAM for their involvement.
He noted that the case has yet to be concluded, pending action from the authorities.
“It (the suspension) was for involvement in a non-sanctioned race which had resulted in fatalities," said Tunku Mudzaffar.
“The officials were suspended. We have informed the FIA (International Automobile Federation), so the suspension still stands. The suspensions will stand pending the conclusion to this case.”
However, despite the suspension, MAM had last week organised the KBS-MAM Kapcai Endurance race and will next be holding the SIC-MAM Malaysia Motorsports Awards on Feb 13, prompting questions among motorsports circles over to the validity of the suspension.
The AAM also have an annual national awards ceremony that has been held since the 1990s, but Tunku Mudzaffar is more concerned about the MAM's involvement in the organisation of a race.
“We have informed them that the awards should not be a national award as under regulations, only the national body can hand out such awards, but the organisation of the race is a more serious offence,” said Tunku Mudzaffar.
“Of course, our tribunal was held and as an affiliate of the AAM, MAM was suspended for their involvement in the tragedy. But the case is not concluded yet. The police investigations are still ongoing.
“For MAM to just flout the suspension despite their involvement in a case that saw the death of two people is inexplicable,” said Tunku Mudzaffar.
Meanwhile, a MAM representative said they have been advised against issuing statements on the matter.
“MAM have been advised to not provide any further comments which could affect investigations and insurance claims. These are instructions from the police and insurance company,” said the representative.
Following the Sept 25 incident, which claimed the lives of 39-year old Izwan Isa and his four-year old daughter Nur Zulaikha, the Higher Education Ministry ordered an inquest through an investigations panel.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) had organised the event, while MAM provided the sanctioning for the EIMARACE, thus approving the use of the street circuit in Indera Mahkota, Kuantan on the day of the incident.
An independent consultant to the investigations panel, Azad Jasmi, had last week expressed concern that the findings of the panel, which pinpointed various occurrences of negligence resulting in the tragedy, had been swept under the carpet after the panel had concluded investigations.
The Higher Education Ministry corporate communications department have also yet to provide any answers to queries from NST Online.
