If the Malaysian government were to do away with its no-gift policy for civil servants, Jefri Ngadirin would certainly appreciate a large box of paracetamols.
“Pening (headache) already lah,” quipped Jefri right after a press release confirmed that the 52-year-old would succeed Abdul Rashid Yaakub as the National Sports Council’s director-general when the latter’s contract ends on April 3.
Having started his career at the National Sports Council (NSC) in 1993, Jefri has witnessed various transformations, personalities, and demands within Malaysia’s elite sports ecosystem.
He admitted that one of the biggest challenges — or ‘headaches’ — will be ensuring sufficient funding for the nation’s top athletes as Malaysia continues its hunt for the elusive Olympic gold medal.
“Ensuring we have enough funds is one such challenge. These are things we need to look at, and perhaps explore new marketing strategies to raise money for our elite athletes,” Jefri told Twentytwo13.
“It’s an honour to be given this position. I have huge shoes to fill, having served under the likes of (former director-generals) Datuk Wira Mazlan Ahmad, Allahyarham Datuk Zolkples Embong, Datuk Ahmad Shapawi, and Abdul Rashid. We will do what we can to further elevate elite sports in the country.”
The level-headed and diplomatic Jefri has been in the running for the top seat since Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail retired in 2023. The other two individuals who were considered for the post were NSC deputy director-general Arrifin Ghani and Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias.
Unfortunately, Malaysia’s elite sports system is heavily reliant on government funding. The NSC, as the funding arm of the Youth and Sports Ministry, allocates funds to the respective sports associations and their athletes for specific training programmes. This includes allocations from the annual Budget and Berjaya Sports Toto Bhd’s yearly contribution. According to Berjaya’s Sports Toto 2024 Annual Report, NSC received RM42,727,000.
However, the distribution of these funds has long been taken for granted, with some sports associations believing it is their birthright to receive taxpayers’ money from NSC.
But funding isn’t the only challenge Jefri will face. He will also have to deal with sports officials — some with inflated egos and little understanding of the industry, and others who are always ready to throw their weight around.
While the announcement comes as a blessing during the holy month of Ramadan, Jefri’s appointment will certainly be a hot topic over ketupat and rendang during the upcoming Hari Raya gatherings. But he knows this will not be a walk in the park.
Till then, all the best to Jefri Ngadirin.
And if the paracetamols don’t work, maybe some hot green tea while listening to ‘Weightless’ by English band Marconi Union might help — as acknowledged by the World Economic Forum.
