KUALA LUMPUR – The Youth and Sports Ministry and the National Sports Council (NSC) have completed the Safe Sport Code of Conduct and are ready to have it implemented in all sports associations by year-end, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
He added that the decision was made together for the sake of protecting the rights and reputation of the sports fraternity – coaches and athletes alike.
However, Faizal, better known as Peja, hoped that the NSC would be able to continue the work as he no longer holds the position of youth and sports minister.
“We have discussed and done some studies to come up with the Safe Sport Code of Conduct amongst athletes, coaches, and sports associations.
“I truly believe that the NSC will take this on and whatever it takes, we will make sure that the code of conduct is used by the end of year.
“If not, I will make a lot of noise if they do not do it,” he said when met at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Aesthetic Group Gymnastics World Cup Finals.
Faizal added that the code was meant to complement the Safe Sport Act that he had intended to draft and table in Parliament by year-end, but was disrupted following the Parliament dissolution announcement made on October 10 by caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“I am so worried because the proposal to table the Safe Sport Act is almost ready, but it will take some time to go through the AG’s (Attorney-General’s) Chambers, a lot of processes are involved.
“The mistake I made was that I was very confident the election was going to be next year.
“But I am pretty sure that I will continue the effort because I believe that no one in the world would reject this effort in protecting the rights of our sportsmen, including our young athletes – children and teens.
“This is not just my fight, but it should be everyone’s for the benefit of our sports fraternity, including everyone within the ministry, even whoever comes in next as the minister.
While the ministry and NSC’s efforts in completing the code should be applauded, safe sport advocate Sarina Sundara Rajah told The Vibes that she was concerned on how it would be effectively implemented.
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The former national rhythmic gymnast added that the task force responsible for coming up with the draft of the Safe Sport Act should be able to continue to get the buy-in from the next minister should they be anyone other than Faizal.
“It is good that they have the code of conduct now because it communicates expected standards of behaviour for everyone involved in sports. Thereby, promoting a safe sport environment.
“However, I am also concerned about how they would be able to keep their promise to table the Safe Sport Act no matter who will be taking over the ministry next.
“I was aware that there was a survey conducted from March to April to better understand the athletes’ experience and the extent of abuse in Malaysian sports.
“What happened to the findings, or have they concluded the survey? These are important questions that need answering because these findings further shape the ministry’s strategic path toward creating a safer sports environment.”
Sarina also said that without an independent body to oversee the Safe Sport Code of Conduct, then there will be no effective enforcement towards any violation of the code. – The Vibes, October 26, 2022
