Sarawak needs more allocation for sports from Budget 2013

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KUCHING: State Assistant Minister of Sports Datuk Lee Kim Shin hopes that the federal government will give reasonable amount of allocation from the 2013 Budget to help development of sports in Sarawak.

He pointed out that Sarawak have produced among the best athletes in the country. Lee hence insists that sports development in the state must be given serious consideration.

“The 2013 Budget shows that our government acknowledged the importance of sports in the country. They really want sports to grow vigorously,” Lee said.

Lee also hoped that the budget will help the state in building more sports facilities and infrastructures in the state.

“Sarawak must be on par with other the states when it comes to sports facilities.”

Meanwhile Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Housing Abdul Karim Hamzah pointed out that Sarawak is the biggest state in Malaysia hence the need for more allocation from the budget from the federal government.

In turn it will also good for Malaysia as Sarawak has proven to be one of the states that produce world class athletes for the country.

“At a glance the budget is indeed very people-friendly and every sphere of the society seems to be reached and given benefits by it. Sarawak which is still in dire need if much development fund must be given what is due,” he commented.

Another state Assistant Minister Datuk Stephen Rundi Utom commented that he was glad the Prime Minister gave emphasis on youth development and sports.

With the budget, he is sure that the state government will put the money to good use in making sure that various youth development and sports programmes and projects are constantly carried out in the state.

“We hope to develop our rural youth too by a well-planned strategic approach. We want them to have a better future,” he said.

A prominent Bidayuh businessman Granda Aing said that there are several good initiatives in the 2013 Budget but cautioned on the fact that youths must not be lavish and spoilt with generous hand-outs from the government.

They but must be imbued with the traits of hard work and make sure that only the deserving could received the hand outs.

During the tabling of the 2013 Budget on Friday, a RM730 million allocation was for the development of youth and sports in the country.