PETALING JAYA: The National Sports Council (NSC) have a new director-general, with Arrifin Mohd Ghani appointed to lead the agency effective Thursday (Oct 15).
Arrifin takes over from Jefri Ngadirin, who has been appointed Sports Commissioner.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the reshuffle was part of efforts to strengthen the governance of agencies under the ministry.
It believes the restructuring will help improve management efficiency, strengthen service delivery and ensure the effective implementation of policies and initiatives for the development of national sports.
"Based on Jefri’s experience working with sports associations and athletes, we believe he can play a stronger role as Sports Commissioner.
"Arrifin, meanwhile, is a former athlete and also has vast experience in sports administration. We felt this restructuring would help strengthen the country’s sports ecosystem," he told a press conference on Thursday (Oct 15) after the Jalur Gemilang handover ceremony for the Malaysian contingent to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
Taufiq said the reshuffle was neither a sudden decision nor one made by an individual, but had been discussed with the NSC board of directors and the ministry’s top management.
"There was a process involved in making this change, although we did not make it public.
"It was not a decision made by one party or one individual. We took into account various factors, including the views of the NSC board and the ministry’s management.
"This is part of our strategy to strengthen the country’s sports ecosystem ahead of major Games, particularly the 2027 SEA Games, which Malaysia will host," he added.
Jefri had only been in the NSC director-general’s post since April last year, when he succeeded Datuk Abdul Rashid Yaakub.
Arrifin, meanwhile, moved from his role as NSC deputy director-general to become Sports Commissioner in August last year, taking over from Datuk Suhardi Alias.
