Anwar: Athletes’ welfare will remain protected despite financial constraints

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has assured that the welfare of national athletes will be preserved, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said that athletes’ welfare would remain safeguarded in light of the country’s improving sporting performances.

“Although we are facing financial constraints, I want to give my assurance, which I conveyed earlier to Taufiq (Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari) during the Cabinet meeting, that sporting events, activities and the welfare of athletes will continue to be fully protected,” he said in a speech at the Anugerah Majlis Sukan Negara 2025 here on Tuesday (May 19).

Anwar also added that concerns over financial limitations should not burden athletes, noting that such issues were the responsibility of the ministry and government leadership.

“The problem is not your problem; it is the minister’s problem,” he remarked, while expressing confidence that the country’s sporting success would continue to improve.

Anwar said he was particularly encouraged that the nation’s sporting achievements had surpassed earlier projections, describing it as a welcome development.

“I am proud to hear that the projected targets and actual achievements have turned out better. Usually, projections come with a slight exaggeration, but there are two areas in our country where achievements have exceeded expectations, namely, sports and economic growth,” he said.

Anwar added that the determination shown by national athletes should serve as an example for the government and the public sector.

“I will tell in the meeting (National Economic Action Council) later that we must learn from our athletes on how to achieve the best,” he said.