KUALA LUMPUR – Senior sports analyst Datuk Pekan Ramli has criticised the RM10 million allocation for a new sports complex in Sungai Petani, describing it as a politically driven move aimed at boosting popularity ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16), rather than a decision grounded in national sporting priorities.
His comments followed an announcement by newly appointed Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari that a RM10 million sports complex would be built in Sungai Petani, Kedah.
Taufiq, who is also the Sungai Petani Member of Parliament, said the proposed complex is intended to strengthen grassroots sports development and provide improved facilities for youth and the local community.
He added that the project would be funded through federal allocations and implemented in stages, subject to planning approvals and assessments by relevant agencies.
Speaking to Scoop, Pekan, a senior lecturer at UiTM’s Sports Science and Recreation Faculty, said the announcement appeared overly aggressive given how recently Taufiq had assumed office.
“In my view, this announcement is clearly an attempt to boost political popularity as an early ‘safe deposit’ for GE16. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, as politicians have done it before, but in this case it is far too obvious and comes across as desperate,” he said.
Pekan questioned the appropriateness of a federal minister prioritising a large allocation for his own constituency so early in his tenure, warning that it could undermine public confidence.
“While the idea of fairness can be accepted, it should not be done so suddenly or so drastically, especially when the just took the ministerial role,” Pekan said.
He also expressed doubts over whether Sungai Petani’s sports infrastructure situation justified a special allocation, noting that such a move inevitably fuels perceptions of constituency-based politics.
“Is the sports infrastructure in Sungai Petani really in such a dire state that a special RM10 million allocation is required? This naturally creates the perception that the decision is politically motivated rather than based on transparent, national needs,” he said.
Pekan stressed that any decision to build a new sports facility should be guided by genuine demand from the local sporting community.
“The need for a sports complex must be determined by actual requirements. It should not be built merely to leave a legacy or to serve as political capital,” he said.
He added that federal ministers must approach policy decisions from a national perspective, with broader public interests taking precedence over specific constituencies.
“As a minister, issues and challenges should be viewed from a federal standpoint. The needs of the wider public must come before those of selected localities,” he said.
Pekan noted that the response might have been different if the allocation had been announced by the Kedah Menteri Besar or a state representative, rather than a newly appointed federal minister.
“When a new federal minister announces a special allocation for his own area, it is only natural that eyebrows are raised. A more balanced approach, involving allocations to multiple areas, would have been wiser,” he said.
On governance, Pekan emphasised the need for strict transparency and oversight, given the size of the allocation.
“RM10 million is a substantial sum. Contracts and tenders must be handled openly and fully monitored by the Finance Ministry. This project must not become a reward for political loyalty,” he said.
He also warned that without a proper needs assessment, the project could become a long-term financial burden.
“If demand is insufficient, maintenance costs could eventually outweigh any benefits or revenue generated,” he said.
Pekan concluded by urging Taufiq's ministry to ensure the project aligns with a broader national sports strategy, cautioning that poorly planned infrastructure investments risk doing little to improve Malaysia’s overall sporting competitiveness. - December 31, 2025
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