Ellron backs more allocation call
Published on: Saturday, November 25, 2023
By: GL Oh
“As partners in Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak should receive a fair and equitable distribution of allocations to enable the people of both states to enjoy sports facilities and programmes involving the development of athletes and youth," said Ellron.
Kota Kinabalu: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin backed Keningau Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan in his request to have more funds allocated to Sabah and Sarawak by the Federal Government for the development of youth and sports.
Deputy Chief Minister I Jeffery made the call during a debate session on the 2024 budget in Parliament on Tuesday.
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It is understood that as much as RM112.29 million has been allocated for youth and sports development in the 2024 Budget.
“As Sabah Youth and Sports Minister, I fully support Dr. Jeffrey’s call for more funds to be allocated to both states and hope the Federal Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports can fulfil the request.
“As partners in Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak should receive a fair and equitable distribution of allocations to enable the people of both states to enjoy sports facilities and programmes involving the development of athletes and youth.
“In distributing the allocation, the Federal Government also needs to take into account the size of the state and the population,” he said in a statement issued on Friday.
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He added that the Federal Government should also give their focus and attention to the request so as not to hinder the development of Sabah and Sarawak young talents in sports as both states have produced many athletes over the years that have brought glory and name for the country.
He also highlighted the predicament faced by the State school football teams recently where the State Government had to step in to finance their trip to compete in the National School Sports Council (MSSM) tournament in Johor due to lack of funds.
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“Sabah’s Under-15 and Under-18 Sabah School Sports Council (MSSS) football teams were initially unable to participate in the MSSM football competition in Johor because they could not afford plane tickets and accommodation.
“As a result the State Government had to bear all the cost to carry out the responsibility,” he said.
He hoped such issues that had frustrated the young athletes in the State that have worked very hard will be repeated again in the future.
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