It was a statement by newly minted Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim that triggered a series of backlash from sports leaders.
The Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria led the chorus of criticism against Adam Adli, urging him to justify his claims of corruption in sports bodies.
Others, who were equally upset but declined to be quoted, highlighted that the statement also called into question the role played by the Sports Commissioner’s Office – an agency under the Youth and Sports Ministry – that ensures, among others, that associations toe the line in governance, and submit annual accounts.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, however, said that the bigger issue is the lack of funding faced by sports associations in Malaysia.
“Some do enjoy some form of funding through sponsorships but most don’t have the money,” said Subahan.
“The deputy minister will be surprised to know that most presidents use their own money to fund programmes.”
“I cannot blame the National Sports Council (NSC) and the previous ministers. The biggest issue is the lack of understanding of how sports associations work, and how most of them struggle to raise funds.”
Malaysia Rugby recently discovered that a substantial sum of money had been allegedly siphoned off from their bank account by a staff. The management lodged a police report over the matter.
In June, Malaysian National Cycling Federation president Datuk Abu Samah Abd Wahab pleaded not guilty to two counts of abuse of power.
Subahan added that while there have been several isolated incidents, these episodes should not be used to generalise how sports bodies are run in Malaysia.
“Take MHC for example. Our sponsors sit in the finance committee. So, they know how every sen is spent,” said Subahan.
“To be fair, NSC is quite strict in giving out funds, and most of the time, we don’t even get in full what we ask for. So, we have to source for additional funds.”
He also agreed that politicians, in general, should substantiate and justify their claims.
“They need to be accountable,” Subahan added.
In 1994, the government introduced the Rakan Sukan programme that saw 28 corporations sponsoring various sports associations in the country. The programme was also aimed at incorporating corporate governance in sports bodies and to help create more talent.
In return, the companies received tax exemptions from the government. However, the relationship between most corporations and sports associations broke down for various reasons, with only Petronas and the Malaysia Basketball Association enjoying the longest bond.
While some sports associations have embraced professionalism to a certain extent, other sports bodies remain stuck in the past, with little or zero presence in the digital sphere, and have yet to fully evolve with the times.
The Covid-19 pandemic hit many of the district, state, and national associations hard, as sports was the first to shut and last to open when the various lockdowns were implemented throughout 2020 and 2021.
“Ministers and their deputies come and go, they try to do their best. But their hands are tied because they can’t convince their higher-ups that sports is important.
“And at the same time, they expect (associations to produce) world-class athletes.”
He added that sports is prioritised in developed nations, but often overlooked in Malaysia.
“When there are budget cuts, sports will be the first hit. So, instead of just talking to the athletes, the minister and deputy minister should also ask sports officials their concerns and grouses,” he added.
Main image: Malaysian Hockey Confederation
