Establish a pension for former national athletes and coaches

IT has long been a stain on Malaysia’s record that we neglect the welfare needs of our nation’s former sports heroes – athletes and coaches alike. These stalwarts dedicated the best years of their lives to raise Malaysia’s international sporting profile, often paying the price with injuries that take their toll in their advancing years, long after their triumphs have faded into history.

Recently, the case of Datuk R.Yogeswaran brought these concerns into glaring focus. He is a two-time Olympian hockey player, representing Malaysia in 1964 and 1968, and he also played in two Asian Games. He served 23 years as a government officer (as a teacher and with the then Culture, Youth and Sports ministry).