Malaysia Rugby (MR) president Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya is optimistic that the construction of Malaysia’s first national rugby stadium will not be affected by the political crisis currently gripping the nation.
Shahrul said the project, which former Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman had allocated a budget of RM17 million, is already at an advanced stage.
“I believe the stadium (project) will go on. There may be structural changes in the government, but development plans will likely continue,” said Shahrul.
“The stadium (project) is also at an advanced stage now. A tender has already been issued, and the Sports Ministry are now evaluating the applicants.
“It is expected to be finalised by the end of this month. Let’s hope that this programme will go on no matter who rules.”
A plot in Precint 13, Putrajaya has been set aside for the stadium.
Shahrul was speaking after the MR royal dinner in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, who is the MR royal patron, graced the event which was also attended by rugby greats Toutai Kefu (Australia) and Andrew Mehrtens (New Zealand). The Perak ruler has brought in the duo to conduct coaching stints in Malaysia.
They will hold clinics at Sek. Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Malay College Kuala Kangsar in Perak, Cobra Club in Petaling Jaya, Selangor Rugby Academy and Universiti Putra Malaysia this week.