PHNOM PENH: Sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli is puzzled by Malaysia's modest Sea Games target.
The 676-member contingent, who will compete in 33 of the 36 sports in Phnom Penh, have a target of 40 gold, 37 silver and 64 bronze.
In last year's Hanoi edition, Malaysia finished a dismal sixth overall with a haul of 39-45-90. It was Malaysia worst showing in the Games since the 1993 Singapore edition. Malaysia had 584 athletes in Hanoi.
Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the target for Phnom Penh was realistic as several events, in which Malaysia recorded a haul of 18-16-30 in Hanoi, were dropped from this year's edition.
Furthermore, 65 per cent of this year's contingent are debutants.
"We are only aiming for 40 gold, while the hosts are targetting 126. It shows how Cambodia is using the Games to create an identity for themselves as a fast-developing nation," said Pekan today.
"Doing well in sports raises the prestige of a nation. It is not always about winning or losing. There are so many aspects and layers to it.
"The modest medal target shows we are regressing as a sporting nation. Unfortunately, we are not doing anything concrete to address the decline and improve sports in the country.
"We are just not learning from our past mistakes.
"It looks like the shortcomings from the last Sea Games have yet to be looked into.
"Initiatives still seemed to be on a short-term basis, while we are neglecting development.
"The sports that used to deliver us medals in the past are not producing results."
Pekan added: "Exposing young athletes should not be made as a reason for the modest target.
"It should not be used as an excuse. Other nations in the region are sending young athletes to the Sea Games as well.
"For instance, Thailand sprinter Puripol Boonsoon won three gold medals on his debut when he was only 16 years old at last year's edition.
"We should not be saying that we are using the Phnom Penh Games as an avenue to prepare for the 2027 edition in KL.
"There is no guarantee these athletes would be around in 2027.
"Development plans should be proper and long-term.
"The national sports associations need to do better in talent management.
"The relevant parties must work together and produce a long-term comprehensive plan to achieve sporting excellence."