IPOH: Sports can be used as unifying tools to help foster national integration among people of various races, religions and backgrounds, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said.
She said in this era of new Malaysia and in the process of achieving a developed nation status, challenges could come in various forms.
“Among the challenge is to shape a Malaysian society that share the same idealism, positive values and spirit.
“Thus, I believe sports can be an effective tool for unity, apart from shaping a person’s discipline, confidence, fitness and self-identity,” she said in her speech at the closing ceremony of the 19th Malaysia Games (Sukma) at Perak Stadium here today.
Also present were Youth and Sports Minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong and Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
Wan Azizah said Sukma was close to her heart as the idea for the tournament was mooted by her husband, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 1983, who was then youth and sports minister.
“He (Anwar) believed that the national sporting event could improve the quality of local existing athletes as well as allowing new ones to gain experience at the state level.
“I hope that by having new sports facilities, with the assistance of the federal government, the effort to churn out new international-level athletes can be achieved,” she said, adding that the current facilities should also be utilised optimally to improve the performances of the athletes.
Wan Azizah said the government would continue to support the games in the form of financial assistance or direct assistance from relevant agencies to the host state.
“It will be Johor’s turn next in 2020. I hope the Johor state government will be able to make early preparation especially in terms of infrastructures and other requirements,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Faizal said the success of this year’s Sukma proved that the country has adequate pool of young and talented athletes.
He said the breaking of two national records, as well as 17 new games records proved that young athletes have the potential to shine in the international arena if given the right chance and training.
Held from Sept 12 to 22, this year's Sukma saw Terengganu emerging as the overall champion with 56 golds, 51 silvers and 53 bronzes. Federal Territories and Selangor took second and third place respectively.