Enhancing Athlete Welfare National Sports Industry Demands Ministerial Care Leadership

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AN MCA leader said Malaysian Athletics’ (MA) recent series of challenges expose deep-rooted concerns within its leadership and highlight broader systemic shortcomings in the nation’s sporting ecosystem.

Its Youth wing’s information chief Neow Choo Seong said these developments call into question the Youth and Sports Ministry’s effectiveness under Hannah Yeoh’s leadership particularly in safeguarding athlete welfare and providing a clear framework for national talent development.
“Among the most pressing issues are the decision by former national heptathlon champion, Zaiton Othman, to decline the chairmanship of MA’s new guidance and development board; the prolonged absence of MA’s top leadership; and the lack of a dedicated coach for Malaysia’s sole representative at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo,” he said.
“These incidents are not isolated but reflect persistent issues that have hindered MA for years. They are compounded by perceptions that the Minister has taken a detached approach.

“Without stronger ministerial engagement, confidence in our sporting institutions may erode, and, more critically, the welfare of athletes could be neglected.”
Neow said this concern is not new as in June this year, Yeoh had faced public scrutiny after acknowledhing that she was unaware of the internal politics within the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
“Such remarks raised doubts about the extent of the minister’s role in providing constructive oversight and strategic direction,” he stressed.
“Equally troubling is the limited progress in strengthening platforms for Paralympic athletes to nurture and mentor young talent. These athletes already overcome immense daily challenges, yet continue to find their sporting pathways under-supported.

“The Paralympic Council Malaysia raised these concerns as far back as October 2023, but meaningful reforms have yet to materialise.”
Describing sports as a powerful force for unity especially at a time when the country must safeguard the harmony of its multi-ethnic society, Neow said the Youth and Sports Ministry holds a portfolio that is crucial to fostering this unity.
“For this reason, it is imperative that Yeoh adopts a more proactive and hands-on approach. She must engage directly with stakeholders, listen to athletes, and make balanced, informed decisions that place athlete welfare at the core,” he stated.
“A blanket policy of non-intervention, under the pretext of keeping sport ‘free from politics’ does not serve the broader national interest nor does it meet the expectations of Malaysia’s sporting community.” ‒  Focus Malaysia

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