Simple Wishlist - Sports Budget 2023

Lensa.fizie

Interesting how Malaysian politics have shaped over the last several months. Back in October 2022, the budget was tabled. Then, in November 2022, we had the 15th Malaysian general elections. And on February 24, 2023, the 10th Malaysian prime minister will table the revised Budget 2023. 

Back in September 2022, I did write about the direction of Malaysian Sports or Hala Tuju Sukan Negara?. I still stand by what I wrote; there must be inter-ministerial synergy to grow sports and society. 

Since October 2022— I was asked quite reasonably about my wishlist for sports. Being a sports activist for 8/9 years. I could go on and on about my vision for sports. However, let’s keep it simple for now. And then steadily build on these simple wishlists for grassroots sports.

Funding for grassroots sports. Be it directly from the government (unlikely) or a government initiative highlighting a tax exemption program to encourage private organisations across the spectrum to pour resources into grassroots sports. To promote national growth from the grassroots through sports.

Greater maintenance of sporting facilities— infrastructure and governance. From my experience, there are many sporting facilities that need better management and support to be better efficient in serving communities fairly.  

Sports education— what I mean by sports education is all about building the next generations of sports administrators who can be on par with leading sporting nations. As well as be incredibly dynamic in an ever-progressing world. Create initiatives with the ministry of higher education together with the ministry of youth and sports to build programs that can deepen the depth of sports administrators. Alongside encouraging driven sports people and former athletes to enrol in administrative courses and degree programs. Within the nation or abroad. 

Grassroots sports broadcasting initiative. So many organisations live streaming sporting competitions on a micro-community level. Sincerely hope for a working relationship between the ministry of youth and sports alongside the communication and digital ministry to be facilitators for these competitions and for the production team to air them on state and/or national-level broadcast platforms. To showcase unique talents in various sports that need a break in an exposure. In turn, this encourages companies to continue pouring resources into grassroots sports. Because brands will be prompted by the level of initiative, being inspired that Malaysians are tuning in.

Better access for women, families and people with disabilities (mental and physical health). As a sports organiser, there must be a safe space for everyone to play sports. Relevant ministries should work together to encourage greater sports participation for the demographics mentioned earlier. Because everyone needs a platform to build camaraderie with others alongside a space to get healthy.

So these are my simple wishlist for sports that can be built on over time towards a goal where Malaysia uses sports for unity and fostering a civil society for all.

Written by the founder of padangbolasepak.com, Khalilul and taken from his website khalilul.com