KUALA LUMPUR – Attempts to improve the nation’s performance in the sports arena will not bear fruit if such efforts are constantly berated by relevant stakeholders, said Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim (Hang Tuah Jaya-PH).
Adam, who is also PKR Youth chief, appeared to point a finger at sports associations for ostensibly finding fault with efforts implemented by the ministry, asserting that all parties must play their part for any endeavours to succeed.
“The government does not block, and in fact celebrates, any suggestions from stakeholders, but such recommendations cannot work out if there is a tsunami of criticism and no proper cooperation, especially from sports associations,” he said.
Adam, who is also PKR Youth chief, said this in response to a query from Zakri Hassan (Kangar-PN) on whether the government is willing to take drastic action to “restore” the quality of sports in the nation, following the Malaysian contingent’s failure to achieve its target for gold during the recently concluded SEA Games.
In response, Adam said: “The ministry is aware that there is a need for improvements, especially regarding the management of sport bodies.”
“Sports associations have also been asked to implement more reforms in the form of athlete development, not only at the grassroots level but also for high-performance athletes who have already represented the nation,” he added.
Previously, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh (Segambut-PH) had hit back against PAS Youth leader Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PN) after the latter called for Hannah and Adam to apologise for local athletes’ performance at the SEA Games.
Disagreeing that this was the nation’s worst performance at the Games, Hannah pointed out that there were plenty of success stories at the event when it came to young athletes making their debut.
The minister had previously said that criticism of the nation’s medal tally should be addressed by Fadhli’s fellow PAS MP, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau-PN), who is also president of Malaysia Athletics Federation and Malaysia Swimming.
While the government had set a 40-gold target for the Games, the national contingent managed to secure 34 gold, 45 silver, and 97 bronze medals and was placed seventh in the overall tally.
Vietnam emerged overall champions after winning 136 gold, 105 silver and 114 bronze medals, followed by Thailand (108-95-108), Indonesia (85-81-109), host Cambodia (81-74-126), the Philippines (58-86-116) and Singapore (51-42-64). – The Vibes, May 23, 2023
