KUALA LUMPUR – In an apparent dig at the previous Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said his government will continue to provide assistance to national athletes and address their critical needs.
He also assured former athletes that the government will continue to support the objectives and mission of the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) unlike the PH administration, which he claimed had considered dismantling the organisation.
“I’m not trying to talk bad about anyone but under the previous administration, during their 22-month stint, not a single form of aid was given to athletes.
“They even talked about dismantling Yakeb. But with this administration, we have done our best to help our athletes,”' said Ismail Sabri told a crowd of nearly 300 national former and current athletes at Yakeb’s 7th annual general meeting held at the M Resort & Hotel here today.
“I’m not campaigning, I’m not campaigning,” he then added in jest, which also drew laughter from the crowd.
He announced RM3 million to Yakeb for 2021 and 2022, with “more aid to come” next year, to thunderous applause from the hall.
In his speech, Ismail had also cautioned athletes to use the right platform to air their grievances to avoid being “manipulated” by certain parties.
He did not name names, but reccounted the issue of a former athlete who was said to have been manipulated by certain parties to create negative perceptions of Yakeb as well as the Youth and Sports Ministry.
“Even though Yakeb and the ministry had offered proper aid and a place for her to conduct business with proper facilities, this athlete rejected their offer.
“This athlete was then manipulated by certain parties to create a negative perception towards Yakeb and the ministry,” said Ismail Sabri.
Also at the event was Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu who reminded athletes to direct their needs to the authorities and to avoid being used by certain parties.
Neither Ismail Sabri nor Faizal named anyone, but the case of former former national para-athlete Koh Lee Peng selling tissues to make a living has grabbed public attention, leading to the National Sports Council (NSC) urging social media users not to sensationalise the issue.
NSC director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail yesterday said highlighting the matter would imply that the government is neglecting Koh’s plight.
Meanwhile, Yakeb chairman Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed urged all parties to not exploit the issue for their personal agenda as the foundation, along with the Youth and Sports Ministry, the NSC and other agencies are ready to assist Lee Peng. – The Vibes, September 3, 2022
