Voters must question GE15 candidates on sports and recreation services

 

From Danny Sritharan

The great thing about running is that all you need is a pair of trainers and to step out of that front door. But where can we run when there are no proper places to just jog?

Even if the magic of a simple run makes one feel alive, the enthusiasm is killed by the lack of space for physical activities in most communities in Malaysia.

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As we head to the general election (GE15), all state and federal candidates must be questioned on their stand on sports and recreation services that are unquestionably a basis for the well-being and quality of life in communities.

To understand how their party’s policies will affect the sports and recreation sector, ask the candidates whether they share the same view as the majority of Malaysians that recreation and parks are essential services.

If they agree with you, ask them the reasons why participation in sports and recreation in their constituencies is on the decline, aside from due to the lack of opportunities, affordability and accessibility.

Ask them why infrastructure, under the purview of the local authorities, is in a state of neglect or in poor condition.

Do they have a plan for managing and repairing facilities that are in disrepair?

Ask them their plans to create effective sports and recreation systems, and how they intend to get children to open spaces to run, throw and jump.

How will their government support access to sports and recreation for diverse groups such as women and girls, indigenous people, people in rural and remote communities, as well as people with disabilities?

It is imperative that every elected official focus on these services to help enhance the social, economic and cultural dimensions of community well-being.

The participation of education authorities and local councils is particularly important to ensure sports and physical activities are involved in many sectors of society.

The truth is political parties do not have an understanding of sports and recreation and, herein, lies a major reason for sedentary behaviours among adults and children, besides the decline in physical activities.

A case in point is the pledge by Perlis Perikatan Nasional (PN) to restore the glory of the state football team as part of its GE15 manifesto.

It raised a lot of concern among most people involved in other sports.

It was also laughable of Neow Choo Seong, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Taiping parliamentary seat to offer his constituents a pair of giant pandas for the famous Taiping Zoo if he is elected.

He was obviously pandering to voters, while ignoring bread and butter issues, and even sports and recreation services in the town that had produced some fine sportsmen.

Different governments view sports and recreation services and their role in delivering them differently. This turns sports and recreation into a political issue.

It is, however, heartening to note that private and non-profit organisations are playing important roles in community sports and recreation.

For the past three months, a grassroots movement, Young Talent Track & Field, has been providing free athletics training to more than 100 children aged below 12 and differently-abled youths at the Ipoh Padang (see pic).

They come from various parts of Ipoh to train every Saturday and Sunday as there are no, or a lack of, facilities, in their neighbourhoods for such physical activities.

Such organisations need the benefit of strong policy frameworks designed to enhance community well-being.

While these outcomes don’t materialise spontaneously, voters need to hold their candidates and political parties to account on these issues. - FMT

Danny Sritharan is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.