PETALING JAYA: There may be conflict of interest should a minister or deputy minister head a sports association, especially when it comes to sponsorship deals, say ministers.
They were commenting on the decision by the Cabinet yesterday that members of the administration, including ministers and deputy ministers, are barred from heading any sports associations.
Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the decision was made by the Cabinet based on a precedent in 2007 and the present government was continuing that practice.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the ruling would ensure that ministers and deputy ministers focused on their portfolios rather than having their attention elsewhere.
“Ministers and their deputies should be allowed to focus on their core duties and responsibilities.
“Let the sports associations be run by those who are committed to the respective sports. Ministers or deputy ministers could still help and assist these associations through ideas or funding, and without holding top positions,” said Fadillah when contacted.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the decision by the Cabinet was not something new, although it was the first time the Madani government had made it known during its tenure.
“This ruling barring ministers and deputy ministers from holding top positions in sports associations dates back to the Barisan Nasional government. It is not something new,” he said.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said a point of contention could arise when those in sports associations deal with sponsorships, which can involve large amounts of money.
“Ministers and deputy ministers should not hold any top positions in sports associations as there may be a conflict of interest when it comes to sponsorships.
“This ruling barring holding positions would also urge ministers and deputy ministers to support all sports and not merely sports of their personal interests,” said Mohamad.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir called on Cabinet members and their deputies to concentrate on their ministerial portfolios.
“It would be better for administration members to fully concentrate on their core duties and serve the people (rather than heading sports associations),” he said.
Meanwhile, Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, confirmed that he would withdraw from contesting the presidency of the Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA) following the Cabinet’s decision.
He added that the decision effectively puts aside his and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s bids.
“Nik Nazmi and I will not run... and effective immediately, I withdraw from contesting for the post,” he said.
On Aug 23, Fahmi announced that he would be contesting for the KLFA presidency, followed by a similar declaration by Nik Nazmi.
Nik Nazmi also confirmed that he would pull out from the race following the Cabinet decision.
