KUALA LUMPUR — “Not sure of the details, but it looks messy.”
These were the words of former National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail following the Budget 2025 tabling by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier today.
Speaking to Scoop, Shapawi said that it looked like certain sports were receiving direct access to the Finance Ministry (MoF), bypassing the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS).
Under the new allocation, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, announced RM15 million for the national football squads, including Harimau Malaya’s senior team, Under-18, and Under-13 squads, as well as RM20 million for e-sports development, among other initiatives.
“The allocation doesn’t seem to be based much on the ministry’s recommendations. It seems some sports have direct access to the MoF. It also seems like the MoF made allocations without seeking much advice from the Sports Ministry,” he added.
Shapawi added that the sports budget should be overseen by the ministry, which is entrusted with the country’s sports development.
“My view is that sports allocations must be supervised by the ministry properly and transparently since it is responsible for sports development, not the MoF.
“The Sports Ministry understands the National Sports Associations (NSAs) better than anyone else in government. We shouldn’t let sports dictate the government; the ministry should be coordinating this part,” he added.
Meanwhile, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria views the 2025 allocation as something inclusive that encompasses various aspects of the national sports ecosystem.
“Key initiatives, such as the RTG and Podium Programme, continue to provide world-class training and resources for athletes.
“The allocation for football and tax exemptions for recipients of the Sports Achievement Prize Scheme (Shakam) further demonstrates the government’s dedication to sporting excellence,” said Norza, who is also vice president for the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). — October 18, 2024