SABAH and Sarawak should get a proper distribution of the RM112.29 million allocated for Youth and Sports Development to ensure that national athletes from Borneo can contribute directly to the development of the country’s sports.
Keningau Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the National Sports Council (MSN) and national sports associations need to work with the Education Ministry to ensure sufficient funds for Sabah and Sarawak.
“Sufficient funds should be channelled so that national back-up athletes from Sabah and Sarawak are not mistreated and robbed of the opportunity to compete and show their talent,” he said.
How much was allocated to Sabah from the RM112.29 million for youth and sports development? Dr Jeffrey asked in the Budget Debate of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Parliament, Kuala Lumpur, on Nov 21.
Dr Jeffrey, who is also Deputy Chief Minister I, said Sabah and Sarawak are among the contributors of athletes, both junior and senior national athletes.
“They are among the fastest sprinters in the SEA Games, among the fastest in the Asian Games and medal contributors at the international level who have succeeded in bringing glory to the country,” he said.
However, it is clear that there are athletes from Sabah who are unable to participate in the MSSM national championship despite having emerged as Sabah champions due to a lack of funds.
Such things should not happen, he said, because schools are the biggest source of new talents in national sports.
“If sports participants, especially from Sabah and Sarawak, are prevented from participating in national level competitions, that could cause the country to lose potential athletes,” he said.
Dr Jeffrey emphasised that, in order to avoid the problem from recurring, there is a need to establish more efficient coordination between agencies and related departments.
Meanwhile, businessmen have expressed interest in investing in the tourism and property development sectors in Sabah.
The potential investors made known their serious intention to Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew during a courtesy call on her at her office in Kota Kinabalu on Nov 22.
They sought her advice on securing support from the State Government for their business investment proposals.
“The State Government is an investor-friendly government and welcomes viable investments which bring economic benefits to Sabah and generate job opportunities for the people.
“We will do everything possible to ensure a conducive business environment. We look forward to your proposed business plans for the Government’s consideration,” Liew told a delegation from Dresser Wayne Fuel Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
The company’s representatives Sun Hai Zhen and Ralph Fan said they have set their sights on the Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home Programme, solar energy investment and bird’s nest production in Sabah. Shanghai businessmen are keen to participate in the Second Home Programme, according to them.
Local investor Dinawa Island Sdn Bhd are upbeat about bringing in investors from China who are eyeing the tourism sector in Sabah and looking at the possibility of building future resorts here.
“Following the reopening of international borders, we have received a lot of inquiries from Chinese nationals who wish to participate in the Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home Programme.
“For our side, we are working on packaging Sabah’s properties to be incorporated into the Programme,” said Johnny Ong Tek Kin who is the Director of Dinawa Island Sdn Bhd.
Meanwhile, Prof Gu Benjian, who is the Director of the Shanghai Badaitou Painting and Calligraphy Institute, suggested a joint exhibition of paintings and calligraphy pieces by artists and calligraphers from Shanghai and Sabah in Kota Kinabalu.
“I will bring veteran artists and calligraphers to Sabah for an artistic exchange,” said the professional artist. Also present was the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary I, Mary Malangkig.
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