PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged that athlete welfare and national sports programmes will remain fully protected despite current financial pressures, stressing that sporting excellence must continue to be treated as a strategic national priority.
Speaking at the National Sports Awards 2025 ceremony at the headquarters of Majlis Sukan Negara in Bukit Jalil, Anwar said the government would not compromise on support for athletes even as Malaysia continues balancing economic reform, fiscal discipline and technological transformation initiatives.
He said sports should not be viewed merely as recreational activity but as an important pillar in strengthening social unity, promoting inclusivity and elevating the dignity of both the people and the nation.
Although the government’s broader agenda currently focuses heavily on economic transformation and artificial intelligence development, Anwar stressed that sports remained equally important because of its role in building a more united and cohesive society across racial and social divides.
“As stated by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, spending on organising sports events should be reduced or moderated. I wish to state that if there are excess allocations, they should instead be channelled towards athlete welfare.
“We also emphasise that if we want success in sports, the focus must be on athlete welfare. That must become the number one factor, alongside better and more comfortable training facilities,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol and National Sports Council director-general Jefri Ngadirin.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, acknowledged that Malaysia was not immune from global economic instability and rising oil prices, but said the government had continued organising sporting programmes through prudent spending measures and moderate-scale events.
He praised the Youth and Sports Ministry, the National Sports Council and sports associations for understanding the need to manage expenditure responsibly during difficult economic conditions.
“I take this opportunity to express my highest appreciation to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Council and sports associations for understanding that we are not excluded from the effects of economic uncertainty by organising programmes on a moderate scale and reducing expenditure.
“Although there are financial constraints, I gave my assurance to Taufiq and in the Cabinet meeting that sporting activities and athlete welfare will continue to be fully protected… that is my guarantee,” he said.
The Prime Minister also sought to reassure athletes who may be worried about potential reductions in allocations for training and sporting activities.
“I think athletes are slightly worried and anxious that allocations may be reduced. Do not worry. That is not my problem and not your problem — that is the minister’s problem,” he said to laughter from the audience.
Anwar expressed hope that Malaysia would continue building on recent sporting successes, saying the country had already achieved commendable progress on the international stage.
He also highlighted Malaysia’s stronger-than-expected economic growth performance last year and during the first quarter of this year despite ongoing global uncertainty and increasing geopolitical tensions affecting international markets. - May 19, 2026
