Twentytwo13

No DAP, No Anwar, No Bersatu or No Umno, sports belongs to all

At the Umno general assembly last weekend, party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said “No Anwar, No DAP, No Bersatu”.

Zahid was referring to the party not partnering PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, DAP and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia ahead of the 15th general election.

There were also calls for Umno leaders in the Cabinet and government-linked companies to quit their posts.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin met several Umno ministers a day after the general assembly and on Wednesday said they will remain in his administration.

Nevertheless, the political uncertainty is expected to continue and can disrupt plans, including the National Sports Vision (VSN) which is supposed to be launched this month.

Twentytwo13 editor Haresh Deol, in his column in Bahasa Melayu news website Getaran.my, said perhaps VSN is best spearheaded by private entities and communities.

He also said there is talk that the VSN – a decade-long plan for sports in Malaysia – will be postponed as the stakeholders may want more feedback to ensure no one is left out.

“But no one can guarantee that the concept and the spirit of the VSN will continue till 2030,” wrote Haresh.

“Some are doubt the suggestion that the VSN be spearheaded by the civil servants is viable. If the new minister does not agree with the content of the VSN, it is highly likely the civil servants will not be able to push through the vision.

“Look at what happened to Vision 2020 and the 2015 National Transformation Plan (TN50).

“Perhaps the solution is for VSN to be spearheaded by private entities and the community at large as they are not tied to any minister or politician and are free to implement the vision even if a new minister comes into power,” Haresh wrote.

He added it is best for the stakeholders to get as much feedback and views as possible and get the buy-in of the society.

“Regardless, “No DAP”, “No Anwar”, “No Bersatu” or “No Umno”, sports belongs to all,” he said.

To read the column, visit Getaran.my.