- I refer to the recent statement by Neow Choo Seong calling for Hannah Yeoh to resign over internal football issues. What a statement mixed with emotions, assumptions and more evidently, nostalgia for an era when ministers dictated everything. Nevertheless, allow me to respond with facts to clarify for those confused between the Ministry’s responsibilities and absolute control over sports associations. This explanation also serves to steer us away from outdated political narratives often disguised as concern for current sports issues.
- For the record, Hannah has not abandoned her responsibilities. She has always respected the principle of autonomy for sports bodies. However, Neow’s statement seems to suggest that the Minister should also be the team manager, coach and psychological advisor all in one, maybe even an athlete. Perhaps Neow is more comfortable with the old style where Ministers could issue top-down orders and everyone follows like puppets. Sorry Neow, those days will not return under Hannah’s leadership.
Internal FAM Issues – Who Should Respond?
- This seems to be Neow’s main point, referring to Harimau Malaya coach Peter Cklamovski’s remarks on “internal issues.” Neow, internal matters should be addressed by FAM, not the Minister. Let me help remind Neow of the local football statutes, especially since he resigned as General Manager of Perak FC earlier this year:
FAM Statute: Article 4 : FAM shall remain independent and avoid any undue political interference. FAM shall manage its affairs independently and ensure its operations are not influenced by any third party.
- If Neow can’t accept the statutes of the national association, here are the statutes of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).
Article 14 (1)(i) : To manage their affairs independently and ensure that their affairs are not influenced by any third party, in accordance with Article 19 of this Statute.
Article 19 : Independence of Member Associations and their bodies: Each member association shall manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from any third party.
- Even so, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has taken the initiative to provide a Sports Dispute Committee, because the MADANI Government is committed to providing resolution channels for all sports – not just football. If everything needs to be solved by the Minister, we might as well dissolve all associations and hand everything to Putrajaya.
Appearance just for photos?
- KBS doesn’t just appear when a trophy is lifted. We’ve been consistently implementing policies and providing support that create long-term impact. We work closely with sports associations, providing funding and assistance across all levels – from grassroots development to elite performance. Through strategic collaboration with agencies such as PSM, ISN, and MSN, we deliver programs, facilities and professional support services that empower athletes and elevate Malaysian sports.
- A key reform introduced by Hannah is the implementation of paid contracts for Podium athletes under MSN, now inclusive of EPF and SOCSO contributions as of 1 January 2024. While it may seem like a basic provision, this marks the first time such a step has been taken under the MADANI Government.
No proud achievenements by the Malaysian Contingent?
- While there will always be challenges in the sports sector, Neow seems to overlook the recent achievements of the Malaysian contingent, among others:
- The national badminton team ended an 18-year drought by winning the men’s doubles at the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships (BAC)
- Malaysia secured back-to-back Sepaktakraw World Cup titles in 2024 and 2025
- Malaysia crowned world champions in lawn bowls
- Malaysian bowlers achieving world champion status in international tenpin bowling
- Young national rider Hakim Danish Ramli continuing to shine on the European stage, becoming the first Malaysian to achieve seven consecutive podium finishes.
- In all these sports, we were not there to carry the trophies – but KBS and its agencies were there every step of the way to provide support. To dismiss these achievements by claiming there has been no progress by the Malaysian contingent is not only inaccurate, but also deeply unfair to the dedication and hard work of our athletes.
- By all means be a critic, but don’t be lazy with your facts. If your intention is merely to craft a political stunt, maybe you should start with a more principled campaign. My advice: if you don’t understand sports governance structures, it’s better to stay silent.
- It is truly baffling that Neow, a Special Officer to another Minister can so blatantly violate Public Service Department (JPA) regulations by demanding the resignation of another Minister. Neow is the clear manifestation of the split personality of MCA today in the MADANI Government.
Yap Yee Vonne
Political Secretary to Minister of Youth and Sports
Neow (MCA) to Hannah Yeoh: “Kalau tak mampu, lebih baik undur!”
