KUCHING: The newly-established Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) is to have an all-local administrative line-up.
Datuk Lee Kim Shin
Although Assistant Minister of Social Development and Urbanisation (Sports) Datuk Lee Kim Shin has said the management team is yet to be finalised, it should come as no surprise if local sports experts will be calling the shots.
“A foreign firm — the Australian Business Centre (ABC) — is employed as consultant for the 10-year Master Plan on the Sports Development in state and while we have yet to decide on the make-up of the SCC, there is no question of foreigners running it,” he stressed.
Lee’s statement has quashed rumours that the Corporation will be managed by foreigners.
The Ministry expects to get feedback from the sports associations before end of the year.
It will subsequently come out with a report on the formation of SCC.
“From thereon, we will know what to expect. SCC will be drawing up the framework for sports development covering a period of 10 years.
“ABC will be assisting and monitoring the development process,” the Assistant Minister added.
The formation of SCC is seen as timely boost for the development of sports in the state.
The collaboration with the sports science faculty of Mara University of Technology (UiTM) clearly indicates the importance the ministry is placing on sports science in training the athletes.
Sarawak have been struggling to regain their supremacy in Sukma since 1996 after emerging champions from 1990 to 1994 in the biennial Games.
Their disappointing sixth position in Melaka this year has made it all the more crucial to put in place a mechanism aimed at helping to make Sarawak a sports powerhouse in the country again.