KUCHING, May 25: Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed his dissatisfaction on the steep budget cuts for sports.
The budget slashed up to 80 percent has had a negative impact on high-level athletes’ morale of the national athletes as they struggle under such restraint.
In a press conference held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Karim said though it does not affect the state’s sports development, many of them are dependent on these allowance, especially those residing in Kuala Lumpur.
“Quite a number of athletes who are based in KL came to see me to voice out their problems.
“Athletes who are well-established such as Pandelela Rinong will still earn a considerable amount even after the budget cut.
“I sympathise with them and therefore we will not stop our budgeting just because the industry is currently still recovering,” said Karim.
When asked whether the state government will reimburse the same amount of the reduced allowance, Karim said such decision is unfair.
Instead, a meeting was held with several sports agencies such as the Sarawak Sports Corporation, to identify a fairer amount so that the athletes are able to get by especially with the fact that they are living in Kuala Lumpur.
“They don’t really ask for reimbursement, but we will try to assist.
“Fortunately also, after several outcry online, the federal government has reinstate the budget. No specific amount was disclosed but I assume its sufficient to boost back their morale,” Karim added.
Previously, the federal government have announced a reduction of allowance cut, from RM2,000 to RM800.
Pandelela herself was been vocal about the issue, questioning such decision to be matters of dignity and honor.
“Little by little, they forget, and we can barely hold on and trust their promises. They, for the most part, don’t even try to keep their word,” she stated on her Twitter. – TVS
