Anwar Ibrahim unveils funding for sepak takraw development, stressing unity, discipline and national pride through sports.
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced a RM2 million allocation for the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy, stating that the funding will support trainees, the national association and the academy’s infrastructure.
The Prime Minister clarified that a portion of the allocation is earmarked for the welfare of players undergoing training, specifically for meals, accommodation and apparel, while the remainder will cover the operational costs of the association and the academy.
Anwar also stated that Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Mohammed Taufiq Johari, who was present at the event, had earlier approved RM1 million for a sepak takraw tournament scheduled for May.
Anwar described sepak takraw as a “heritage sport” deeply rooted in Malay history and culture, but he stressed that its future growth must be broader and more inclusive of all Malaysians.
“This sport is special because it is a heritage sport, a sport of pride, a sport recorded in our history books.
“But what matters most is not the academy, nor even the association. What matters most are the players, and spreading a broader passion among the people to love and participate in this sport,” he said during the academy’s launch ceremony at Stadium Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz.
The Prime Minister urged the nation to use sport as a platform to move beyond narrow communal thinking.
“This is Malaysia now. We must raise the standards of sport and melt away narrow racial thinking.
“When we see a victory in badminton, whether the player is Chinese, Indian, or Malay, we no longer think about race. We think about the quality of the sport and the pride of our beloved country. That is the spirit we want to instil,” he added.
Addressing the young athletes in attendance, Anwar reminded them to remain humble and disciplined, noting that individual success is built upon the character of the athlete and the backing of the public.
“Do not be arrogant or conceited. Your success stems from the support of everyone. Train well, be disciplined and remain mature in your character and culture.
“Only then can we lift our dignity once again, not only the dignity of sepak takraw but the dignity of our nation,” he added.
Also present at the launch were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and Persekutuan Sepak Takraw Malaysia (PSM) president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan.
