KUALA LUMPUR: The sports scenario is expected to see some twists following Pakatan Harapan’s election win.
However, it remains to be seen whether former Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s initiatives such as the Podium Programme and the National Football Development Programme (NFDP) will be continued under the new ruling party.
UiTM sports faculty senior lecturer Safek Mustaffa hopes there will be improvements in regard to existing programmes.
“Usually the person appointed as the Sports Minister will implement a new approach and programme. Maybe there will be some changes.
“The Podium Programme, however, will need to be relooked in terms of implementation and whether it should come under the purview of the National Sports Council,” he said.
On another matter, BN leaders who lead national sports associations (NSAs) may need to re-evaluate their position under the new ruling party.
“Many NSAs are led by (BN) politicians, so they have to be open and also form a good relationship with the new minister.”
“If they can’t work together, I think it would be better for them to resign,” said Sadek.
The change of government will also affect State FAs, mostly headed by their respective Chief Ministers or Menteri Besars.
Among the states affected are the FAs of Kedah, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Sabah and Terengganu.
Sadek said it will not cause an impact if the appointments are done in accordance to the associations’ constitution.
“With some teams still depending on their state governments for funding, it will be crucial for their Menteri Besar to lead the association. It should not be a problem if it is agreed upon and does not go against the constitution.