Snowdan disagrees with decision to telecast World Cup live on RTM
KUCHING: The decision by the Pakatan Harapan government to spend RM40 million for the live telecast of the FIFA World Cup on RTM 1 has received a mixed reaction from the public especially netizens.
While some are in favour of the move, there are others who regard it as a waste of funds and contradictory to the cost-saving measures being implemented now.
Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan said this was not a wise proposal and contrary to the cost-saving measures of the country.
“The government want to spend RM40 million by using the people’s money to pay RTM to air the World Cup matches live.
“However, at the same time, they want to set up a Harapan Malaysia Fund aimed at collecting donations to reduce the country’s debts.
“Doesn’t that contradict what they have implemented now? This shows that the government doesn’t do what they talk.
“To me, the unwise decision on the live telecast is a waste of money which can otherwise be used for the people.
“It is true that that they want to give the chance to all the people to enjoy watching the matches, however I understand that Astro is also given rights for the live telecast. As such, the people surely have choices to watch the matches,” he added.
Sarawak Crocs team manager Awang Mahyan Awang Mohamed, however, regarded the move by the new government as a good one because the people would be able to watch the World Cup live matches for free.
However, he hoped that the cost of the live telecast could be reduced and be used to help the people.
“I support the government’s decision because we are aware that not everyone subscribes to Astro. This will give the football fans especially those living in the kampung (villages) the chance to watch the World Cup matches live.
“I only do not agree with the amount that will be spent. If possible, reduce the cost of airing the matches live and use it to help the people,” he suggested.
On the Harapan Malaysia fund, Mahyan said the issue need not be raised further because the people have the choice whether to donate or not to help the country reduce its debts.
Meanwhile, football fan Wan Lutfee Wan Taha supports the government’s good intentions as it enabled the people especially those who cannot afford to watch the matches free.
He said the buying of the rights to the live telecast would help to boost the government’s coffers as a result of the revenue collected from advertising fees.
“Football is the world number one sport and I believe everyone wants to watch the World Cup matches live,” added Lutfee.