KUALA LUMPUR – The reduced allocation for sports in Budget 2024 may be a signal that the government wants national sports associations to activate their own fundraising initiatives, says sports analyst Mohd Sadek Mustafa.
In his budget presentation yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earmarked RM184 million for sports initiatives, representing a significant RM215 million reduction compared to last year’s allocation of RM399 million.
Sadek said that this drastic cut signals that the associations need to switch to a “social enterprise” funding model.
“This model sees the government inject a small amount of funds for a short period of time until the association can stand on its own feet.
“Sports associations need to focus on leaders capable of effective fundraising, rather than those who are just seat warmers,” he said.
Sadek added that the reduced allocation will impact non-Olympic sports the most.
With the Commonwealth Games scheduled for 2026 and the hosting of the SEA Games in 2027, the reduced budget allocation poses a significant challenge for these non-Olympic sports in preparing their athletes for major competitions.
Sadek urged the leaders of the associations to demonstrate their ability to secure funding for their development initiatives.
However, he did praise sports like bowling, golf, cricket and squash for their ability to secure funding through strategic partnerships.
Another sports analyst, Datuk Richard Scully, added that the lower allocation should serve as a motivation for associations to maximise their resources in the hope that good performances could lead to potentially increase their allocations.
“The lower allocation can be a test of the mentality of national sports associations to see if they are proactive in finding additional funds. If the allocation is too lavish they can get complacent.
“The allocation (for the budget) can be increased. Right now they may want to see the commitment and performance of our athletes.
“If they perform well, their sport may get an increase in allocation. Here is where the leadership of the respective sports associations must play their part,” said the former Penang FC goalkeeper. – October 14, 2023