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In life, you can succeed by ensuring you are good at...
1. the 'content'/substance of what you do;
2. becoming popular / viral;
3. networking / relationship with the right people. 

Perhaps when we were younger, we aim to be no. 1 but as we grow older, no. 2 and no. 3 can be more…
— Michelle Chai (@mchai8) October 18, 2024

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Sports budget allocation: is popularity winning over performance in 2025 funding? | Scoop
Hannah is confident that the RM230 million sports allocation will help athletes in the RTG programme begin their push for Malaysia’s first Olympic gold. — Scoop file pic, October 19, 2024
Sports

Sports budget allocation: is popularity winning over performance in 2025 funding?

As RM15 million goes to football and RM20 million to e-sports, critics question whether funding priorities reflect merit or strong networks in Malaysian sports

Main Author Image
Fabian Peter
Updated
6:00 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — As the RM230 million sports budget for 2025 was unveiled, questions have arisen over whether the allocation is prioritising popular sports or those with strong networks, rather than rewarding consistent performance.

The national football teams, including Harimau Malaya and the Under-18 and Under-13 squads, received a significant RM15 million allocation, which is not additional funding but the same amount previously announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in September.

Meanwhile, e-sports was granted RM20 million and cricket RM1 million. 

Despite these figures, the broader sports community has raised concerns, especially regarding sports like badminton, which have consistently delivered strong results but have not been allocated similar funding.

Anwar, during the tabling of the Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat, highlighted the RM230 million for sports development. 

This includes support for the Road to Gold (RTG) initiative, the National Podium Programme, and preparation for major events such as the 2025 Deaflympics, as well as matching grants for sports events.

Yet, some feel the distribution of funds lacks clarity and equity.

Former National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail criticised the allocation as “messy,” noting concerns that certain sports, like football, appear to have direct access to the Finance Ministry, bypassing the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS). 

This has sparked debate over whether certain sports are receiving preferential treatment based on their popularity or connections, rather than merit.

While Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria praised the allocation as an improvement from last year’s RM172 million, others believe it falls short of expectations. 

In particular, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has remained silent on the budget announcement, but its head of administration, Michelle Chai, posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter) that could be interpreted as a subtle jab at the allocation process.

In her post, Chai wrote, “In life, you can succeed by focusing on: 1. the ‘content’ or substance of what you do; 2. becoming popular or viral; 3. networking or building relationships with the right people. 

“When we are younger, we aim for no. 1, but as we get older, no. 2 and no. 3 seem to be more ‘successful’ than no. 1.”

This message hints at the frustrations of those in the sports community who feel that success might be more about popularity and networking rather than merit and results.

Badminton, with its strong track record, may feel overshadowed by football and e-sports, despite having consistently performed at a high level.

As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen whether other National Sports Associations (NSAs) will weigh in on the budget allocation, but one thing is certain: all sports associations will be vying for their share of the pie. — October 19, 2024

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