No cuts to programmes: Govt keeps sports funding intact, athletes’ welfare top priority, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said that there will be no financial cuts to sports programmes despite ongoing economic pressures.

He said the government remains committed to safeguarding the country’s sporting development.

“Despite financial constraints, I have assured the Cabinet that sports programmes and athlete welfare will be fully safeguarded.

“There will be no cuts. There is no need for concern,” he said in his speech during the National Sports Award 2025 here today.

He then said due to the current economic situation, spending should prioritise athletes rather than ceremonial extravagance.

Anwar said he had previously told Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari that while he supports organising events and activities, spending too much on lavish celebrations and unnecessary extravagance should be reduced.

Drawing from his experience as a former minister of culture, youth and sports, Anwar said athlete welfare had at times been overshadowed by other priorities in the past.

“Previously there was excessive focus on matters such as attire and travel arrangements. As a result, athlete welfare was sometimes treated as secondary.

“That is why we now emphasise that if we want to develop sport in the country, athlete welfare must be the top priority.

“Facilities must be improved, training environments enhanced, and conditions made more comfortable,” he added.

He then went on to say  that Malaysia had already achieved a commendable level of sporting progress and expressed hope that the country would continue building on its successes.