IT LOOKS like the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) may have a new leader. As president Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis has been accorded ministerial powers and is now the Malaysian ambassador in the United States, it was learnt that he has tendered his resignation.

ABDUL RAZAK: May be the new head of EAM

The move has paved way for entrepreneur Datuk Abdul Razak Latiff to lead the association. While all parties remain mum, Abdul Razak, an avid horseman, has apparently the blessings to head the national body. Abdul Razak is also the president of Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM).

It remains unclear if he will vacate the LTAM post before taking over the reins of EAM. EAM suffer from serious administration woes as they have yet to conduct their AGM since July 2008. The meeting then, held in a posh hotel in KL, was prematurely adjourned after Jamaluddin walked out following a dispute over the interpretation for the nomination of the 2008 office-bearers.

Former Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob, had during the AGM, pledged a RM2 million grant to develop the sport. Nevertheless, the pledge did not materialise due to the instability in the association. Surprisingly, the Sports Commissioner has allowed EAM to conduct their AGM on a later date — this time in December.

This was confirmed by Sports Commissioner Datuk Nik Mahmud Nik Yusof over the weekend. This is the third time EAM appealed for an extension.

SC’s office have even handed EAM a guideline to re-draft their constitution. Also in question are the accounts for 2007 and 2008 as EAM’s coffers are reportedly worth millions.

Many parties, including the SC, have been rather passive against EAM so as not to disrupt international events including the FEI Endurance race — a pet event for our King, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.