A Governing Body at a Crossroads
The Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) is looking to move past a turbulent period and refocus on its core mission—growing pickleball in Malaysia.
The association was suspended by the Sports Commissioner’s Office (SCO) in late February over governance concerns, with the possibility of deregistration if required conditions were not met within the stipulated timeframe. Founded in 2021, MPA has since taken corrective steps and is now awaiting a decision from the Youth and Sports Ministry.
MPA president Delima Ibrahim confirmed that a formal appeal was submitted to Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari on 30 March, supported by extensive documentation.
“We submitted a comprehensive appeal to the minister, including 162 pages of supporting documents to ensure full transparency,” she said. “We are now awaiting the ministry’s response. As a young association, we hope for a decision that is corrective and supportive rather than punitive.”
How the Situation Escalated
The suspension stems from a series of governance transitions following the departure of founding president Farrell Choo last year. After his exit, Delima was appointed acting president; an arrangement MPA says was made in consultation with the SCO.
According to the association, the SCO had presented several options, including appointing a vice president, holding an AGM, or installing a caretaker president. Delima’s appointment was intended as a temporary measure while the association expanded its state-level representation and prepared for formal elections.
However, following an internal complaint, the SCO later instructed MPA to hold an earlier-than-planned remedial AGM with elections on 13 March 2026. Delima was subsequently elected president during that meeting, with candidates drawn from eligible committee members and affiliated state representatives.
“Without hesitation, the existing MPA committee met with Sports Commissioner Arrifin Ghani. We were told to work closely with SCO staff and follow their guidance,” Delima added.
Why the Appeal Matters
Beyond internal governance, the suspension carries wider implications for Malaysia’s role in a rapidly growing global sport.
MPA maintains affiliations with both the Asian Federation of Pickleball and the Unified World Pickleball Federation, making its operational status significant for international representation, especially as pickleball continues to be discussed in relation to potential Olympic inclusion.
Delima stressed that a functioning national body is essential to guide the sport’s development.
“Pickleball is expanding quickly in Malaysia, and a national body is essential to guide its development, especially at the international level,” she said.
Building a Sport in Fast-Forward
Since its establishment, MPA has introduced coaching and referee programmes, developed competition standards, launched school outreach initiatives, and worked toward a national ranking system.
The sport’s local rise began in 2019 when Farrell Choo introduced pickleball at a school in Miri, Sarawak. Growth accelerated after the Covid-19 pandemic, positioning Malaysia as one of the region’s fastest-expanding pickleball markets. Both Farrell and Delima were appointed AFP pickleball ambassadors in 2023.
Waiting for the Next Serve
With the appeal submitted and documentation in place, MPA now waits for the ministry’s ruling; hoping it is seen as a young association navigating growing pains rather than one beyond recovery.
