UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has questioned the effectiveness of the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and National Sports Council (MSN) following national cycling star Datuk Azizulhasni Awang’s criticism of the institutions.
Muhamad Akmal said even the country’s most accomplished athletes could be affected if sports administration was slow, inefficient or poorly managed, potentially putting Malaysia’s sporting assets at risk.
He questioned why Azizulhasni had to issue a lengthy public explanation before receiving a concrete response from MSN regarding his future plans.
“Until the athlete himself has to write a long letter before MSN provides an answer.
“It would be better for us to lose a minister like this than to lose our athletes who have contributed so much to the country,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Azizulhasni, a former world champion, had earlier described KBS and MSN as lacking professionalism and efficiency after he said it took two months and five days for the agencies to provide a firm decision regarding his services for Malaysia’s qualification campaign for the LA28 Olympic Games.
In a nine-page statement shared on social media, Azizulhasni said the prolonged delay had made it difficult for him to plan the next stage of his career, including preparations for important races offering qualification points for LA28.
Muhamad Akmal said the situation should serve as a warning that administrative delays could have serious consequences for Malaysia’s sporting ambitions.
He also cautioned against allowing poor management or a lack of urgency among those responsible for sports administration to result in the country losing more talented athletes in the future.
