PUTRAJAYA: The government has formed a high-level committee (HLC) to step up efforts to reform sports development.

Led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the committee will focus on talent development models for combat sports, athletics and swimming.

After chairing the Sports Development Cabinet Committee meeting today, Zahid said the HLC would involve several ministries, including the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Higher Education Ministry and the Education Ministry.

"The committee will also unearth talent among the military and law enforcement personnel through the Defence Ministry and Home Ministry," he told a press conference here.

Present were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and her deputy, Adam Adli Abdul Halim.

Zahid said at the meeting today, it was agreed that government-linked companies (GLCs) could sponsor sports programmes.

"This is to spur the development of sports through the involvement of various stakeholders, in particular the GLCs."

Zahid said aim of the committee meeting was to discuss the coordination and streamlining of the delivery system of initiatives and sports development programmes.

"It includes strengthening the cooperation of sectors to achieve the goal of making Malaysia a sporting nation."

He said three papers were presented and discussed in today's meeting.

"The first paper was on the revision of the membership and terms of reference of the committee.

" The second one was on the performance of the national contingent at Sea Games 2023 in Cambodia and the preparation of athletes for the 2025 and 2027 Sea Games across ministries.

"The last paper discussed the proposal for the establishment of Malaysia Sports Integrity."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/914868/zahid-spearhead-sports-reforms