“HOW long more do we need to wait?
“Just because it took 30 years for the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill to be approved, that does not mean that we should take it as a benchmark for Safe Sport Act too,” said Sarina Sundara Rajah, during the podcast recording for More Than a Game, recently.
The former national rhythmic gymnast has been a strong advocate of Safe Sport Act as she believed that the Act would be able to protect athletes as well as everyone within the sports fraternity – including sports officials – from harm.
“We should expedite it because this affects our future generation. And if you want them to embrace and enjoy sports, we need to keep them safe,” she added.
However, Sarina said many are still confused about the difference between the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill and Safe Sport Act.
Sarina noted that the Safe Sport Act covers a wide range of issues – not exclusively about sexual harassment and abuse.
“Safe Sport is huge. It is not just about sexual harassment and abuse, but also racial discrimination, bullying, hazing, athlete rights and representation, as well as athlete welfare,” she said.
“I have been receiving a lot of calls from my friends who run grassroots clubs and they are excited to have Safe Sport part of their clubs and communities.
“They understand the importance because they have been athletes and coaches and seen some of the issues happened in front of their eyes.”
The 1998 Commonwealth Games gold medallist also noted that her advocacy has not been without some hurdles.
However, she said that Safe Sport Malaysia (SSM) have made much progress this year, thanks to the support of various media coverage as well as positive relationships with the Youth and Sports Ministry and the National Sports Council (NSC).
SSM was officially formed in June, comprising of founding members Kathini Mohan as the deputy president, Irene Wong as the treasurer, Football Association of Malaysia exco member Christopher Raj as the secretary, and criminal lawyer Shamsul Sulaiman as the assistant secretary.
Meanwhile, media personalities Freda Liu and Datuk Yasmin Yusuff are the committee members.
Sarina hoped that the incoming government would not dampen their commitment to have the Safe Sport Act tabled in the Parliament, which caretaker youth and sports minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu had promised.
In the meantime, Ahmad Faizal said his ministry and the NSC had completed the Safe Sport Code of Conduct and are ready to have it implemented in all sports associations by year-end, which is meant to complement the Act.
Sarina agreed that the code would be a good step forward for Malaysian sports.
“It is a guideline for everyone to have a clearer picture of acceptable practices within the sports scene. The (Safe Sport) Act will take some time (to be tabled).
“Development is one thing, while the implementation is another. I am just hoping there will be enforcement too.” – The Vibes, November 12, 2022
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