It’s in Hannah’s hands
Athletes want new minister to inject fresh ideas to unite sports community
PETALING JAYA: Make changes, bring fresh ideas and unite the sports community.
These are some of the calls made by the Malaysian sports fraternity as Hannah Yeoh becomes the 10th Youth and Sports Minister; fourth in the last four years after Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (2018), Reezal Merican Naina Merican (2020), Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (2021); and only the second woman to helm the portfolio.
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said was the first woman to lead the ministry from 2004-2008.
The nation’s top cyclist Azizulhasni Awang was pleased with Hannah’s appointment.
“She’s a young energetic leader and I believe it will be easier for her to listen to the young people in youth and sports,” said the Tokyo Olympic Games silver medallist.
“To be honest, I want to see a lot of changes in our sports system but let’s start to focus on athletes’ welfare first.
“There are many athletes with potential in Malaysia in every sport but we just need the right system and people doing the right thing.
“Well, I believe our new minister and her team will also have lots of fresh ideas and plans.
“I will always be here for them if they need my opinion and advice for the sake of our sports community. I wish her all the best.”
Eight-time world squash champion Nicol David was equally thrilled.
“I’m so happy, I hope she will champion more women in sports and women’s participation in sports leadership positions,” she said.
Legendary bowler Shalin Zulkifli hopes sports will get better recognition under Hannah.
“There is so much that sports can do for Malaysia and I hope it will get its due recognition. I’m just excited to welcome our second female sports minister,” said Shalin.
Malaysian Olympian Association president and former hurdler Noraseela Khalid said: “I hope she will have the right people with genuine interest and knowledge in sports to assist her in making the right decisions and change the sports system.”
Professional shuttler Soniia Cheah said Hannah would be a perfect role model for youngsters.
“Hannah Yeoh is one dynamic woman, and I’ve admired her for a long time. She worked hard for all races under her parliamentary seat,” said the former No. 1 singles player.
“It’s a new portfolio but I’m sure she will learn the ropes fast and deal with problems faced by athletes and associations.
“I hope she will modernise Malaysian sports and turn it into a sport science culture so that talented athletes will be able to perform better and there will be fewer injuries.
“I also hope that athletes will have a voice in the running of sport.
I hope to see fairness and transparency in all associations.
Former singles badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek said unity was the key,
“Looking at the current situation now, I hope she will be able to unite Malaysia once again through sports,” said Rashid, a member of the 1992 Thomas Cup winning team.
“One of the changes I hope to see under her is for the government to provide a better future for retired athletes. Since I started my own badminton academy, I’ve seen many who are clueless on what to do after their careers as full-time athletes are over.
“Hopefully, there will be a way to secure a job placement for these generation of players.”
Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan, a well-respected sports figure and former athletics great, does not want grassroots efforts to be forgotten.
“I trust her appointment will be mutually beneficial to the sports fraternity and to her own career path. I look forward to more leadership in grassroots development including early talent identification and its supportive development,” said Jegathesan.
National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail is ready to work together with the new minister.
“Personally, I don’t know her but I’ve followed her progress and fight. We admire her determination and her calm approach.
“We hope to work together to further improve Malaysian sports,” said Shapawi.
All the responses seem positive for Hannah and hopefully, she will be able to make a difference.