Shahidan wants to remain as Asum president until 2016 Olympics

Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim hopes to remain as the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) President until the 2016 Olympics to ensure several plans in the pipeline can be carried out. Shahidan said though he is now a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, the people responsible can consider his request but if it was decided that Ministers cannot hold positions in the association, he would abide by such a ruling. The former Perlis Menteri Besar who is also the Perlis Cycling Association President told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Velodrome in Cheras during the National Track Cycling Championships, here, today. He was asked to comment on a statement from Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin recently, urging those holding positions in sports associations to relinquish their posts if appointed as ministers. Shahidan is also the President of the Perlis Petanque Association, Perlis Tenpin Bowling Association, Perlis Muay Thai Association, Perlis Athletics Association and Perlis Kabaddi Association. "My relationship with the athletes is very cordial and I want to ensure their welfare is taken care. Furthermore, ASUM is an association that is devoid of internal bickering and ideal for the development of swimming. "My wish is to see swimmers or divers turn the colour of Olympics medals from bronze or silver to gold by 2016," he said.