The audio also captures him warning fellow council members of possible legal consequences if they act on a World Athletics directive questioning Karim’s eligibility.

The clip emerged a day after an earlier recording circulated anonymously over WhatsApp. That first leak raised questions over a World Athletics letter that was not shared in full with council members.

Together, the recordings have shifted focus to how the council handled key information and conducted its deliberations.

In the latest audio, Wan Hisham says it is his personal wish that Karim remains in office until after the 2027 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.

He adds that although he opposed Karim in last June’s elections, he now regards him as a conscientious leader working for the good of the sport.

During the same April 9 meeting, Wan Hisham cautions that council members could face legal action if they move against Karim following the World Athletics letter.

The remarks came as the council discussed how to respond to the global body.

Melaka Athletics Association president Fadzil Bakar said the comments raise concerns about how the issue was framed during the meeting.

“When the risk of being sued is raised in the same discussion, it can influence how members weigh their options,” said Fadzil, a former deputy president of the national body.

“Council members must decide based on the facts and the rules, not on fear.”

Fadzil also questioned the timing of Wan Hisham’s support for Karim.

“This matter is still under consideration. Any position expressed in that setting carries weight,” he said.

“The priority is to resolve the issue in line with World Athletics requirements and protect the sport.”

He added that any proposal to keep Karim in office until 2027 must be assessed against Malaysia’s standing at the international level.

“If the federation does not align with World Athletics, there is always a risk to participation,” he said. “Athletes should not be placed in that position.”

The recording also includes a reference to Karim not contesting the next Malaysia Athletics election.

Fadzil said such discussions should not divert attention from the immediate issue.

“The focus now is compliance. Future elections are a separate matter,” he said.

The first recording confirmed an earlier FMT report that a World Athletics letter was not circulated when it first arrived.

Wan Hisham read out its contents during the meeting, but members did not receive copies when they asked for them.

The discussion indicated that the letter first reached secretary-general Nurhayati Karim before it was passed to the legal adviser about two weeks later.

World Athletics also raised concerns over conflict of interest and asked for the matter to be handled by the next highest-ranking official instead of the secretary-general, who is the president’s daughter.

Wan Hisham has since taken on that role.

Malaysia Athletics has submitted its response to World Athletics on Karim’s eligibility and on steps to align its constitution with international rules.

The Sports Commissioner’s Office is reviewing the legitimacy of Karim’s position.