KUALA LUMPUR — There is a critical need for the implementation of both a Safe Sport Code and a Safe Sport Act to ensure the safety and protection of athletes in Malaysia.
Niloy Banerjee, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, said that these two components work synergistically to provide a legal framework for addressing issues related to safety in sports.
He also said that while a code can be enforced by Malaysia, an Act would provide the legal framework for redress through the country’s judicial system, giving it the force of the law.
“Overall, any legislation provides the country, at any level – government, non-government, and citizens – the ability to actually enforce a code. The (Safe Sport) Code and the Act are actually synergistic… they support each other.
“Having it legally justiciable as an act, of course, makes it that much more secure as an instrument.
“Citizens can turn to it and find various ways to address issues impacting safety in sports.
“I’m confident that Malaysians will do the right thing in terms of voting for the Safe Sport Act to be implemented,” he said when met yesterday.
Banerjee added, that based on the growing global awareness of the importance of safeguarding athletes from predatory relationships, sports should be about freedom, celebration, and respect.
He highlighted the importance of safeguarding those involved in sports from ‘predatory relationships,’ noting that such issues are gaining global attention.
“Sports should be about freedom and celebration, without fear, and about embracing what is good in everyone.
“It should not involve predatory relationships, condoning bad behaviour, or invading someone’s personal space.
“I am a foreigner in Malaysia, and I did not know that these issues are quite common in Malaysian sports.
“With increased awareness, parents become more vigilant, and athletes themselves become more aware of their rights and the need for respectful treatment,” he added.
Safe Sport Malaysia president Sarina Sundara Rajah has been a staunch advocate for the implementation of the Safe Sport Act in recent years.
In March, the Youth and Sports Ministry introduced the Safe Sport Code without an accompanying Act.
Minister Hannah Yeoh had argued at the time that existing laws were sufficient to address harassment or abuse issues in sports.
This year alone, there have been two separate sexual harassment cases involving a dodgeball and a mountain biking coach.
The exact number of such cases in Malaysia this year, however, remains unknown. — September 16, 2023