KUCHING: Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has assured that athletes will not face any discrimination or be barred from competition simply because they choose to represent a state other than Sarawak.
He pointed out that some Sarawakian athletes have opted to compete for other states due to prior commitments or specific allowances received.
“If it cannot be worked out at that level, then there’s not much we can do. But we will not victimize or stop any athletes just because they do not want to be with us.
“We will not kill off their career. We have to be fair to them,” he told a press conference at his office in Baitulmakmur Building II, here today (Jan 26).
Regarding disputes over athlete representation, Abdul Karim said the responsibility to resolve these lies primarily with the individual sports associations.
Abdul Karim acknowledged the challenges Sarawak faces in athlete representation, as some athletes who were developed and groomed by Sarawak represent other states, while some athletes from other states compete for Sarawak.
“We do get some feedback already about athletes who have been with us for a few years. We are the ones who identify, groom, and expose them, but they come from another state.
“Sometimes these athletes are already at a level that can guarantee gold medals, and the other states are not very happy about it,” he added.
He added that before the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), there is usually a period when such issues are discussed and resolved amicably, with consideration given to the welfare and progression of the athletes.
“Normally, the welfare and progression of the athletes are taken into account. We look into who developed the athlete, and if it’s us, then the athlete should represent us, even if they are not permanent residents or considered Sarawakians.”
