PUTRAJAYA, Oct 14 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants a tighter network between the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Education Ministry, and the Higher Education Ministry to enable sports activities in schools, centres of higher learning, and the community to be rejuvenated and strengthened.
Speaking at the launch of the 2023 National Sports Day (HSN 2023) themed #Fit Malaysia at Dataran Putrajaya today, he said a Madani country could only grow if its people are empowered, not only through the fields of employment and economy but also in its health via sports.
The people also want peace, and a Madani nation is a country focused on driving growth in various aspects.
"That is why I throw this idea (Madani) because I am confident Malaysia will be safe, happy and excellent if we can convince the youth to rise as one, (with) a spirit of genuine unity irrespective of one's race or culture,” Anwar said to over 20,000 participants of the HSN 2023 programme.
Accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, he also flagged off the run and cycling events participants, held in conjunction with HSN 2023.
National Sports Day is a national agenda celebrated on the second Saturday of October annually to promote sports among the community through an active and healthy lifestyle, in line with the Madani Malaysia and 2030 National Sports Vision framework.
Anwar, also the Finance Minister, said he tabled several initiatives and incentives, which had been sought for decades for sports activities, in yesterday's Budget 2024.
Under Budget 2024, a RM72 million allocation for next year was granted to empower the athletes’ podium event ecosystem and implement the Road to Gold (RTG) initiative as an effort to deliver Malaysia's first Olympic gold medal.
RM50 million was also set aside for maintaining and upgrading youth and sports facilities nationwide, and a specific tax exemption proposal for purchasing sports equipment and sporting activities, up to RM1,000.
— Bernama
