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BENTONG: Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (pix) has maintained his stand against Terengganu’s move for Muslim athletes from the state to wear Syariah-compliant attire at every championship they take part in.
He said today that although he was aware that his statement yesterday received less than enthusiastic response from various parties, he would, as the Youth and Sports Minister, continue to defend the welfare of athletes in the country.
“When the statement (asking athletes to wear Syariah-compliant clothes) was issued, I was just as surprised ... a lot of associations, athletes and parents contacted me. So, I had to issue a statement defending them.
“I understand (Syariah law), it’s just that I am responsible in defending the welfare of athletes and I stand by my statement,“ he told reporters after opening the Lurah Bilut Felda Cruyff Court here today.
Also present were Hasanah Foundation managing director Shahira Ahmed Bazari, the Netherlands Ambassador to Malaysia Karin Mossenlechner and Felda deputy director-general (community development) Anuar Malek.
The state government had issued a statement last Sunday stating that all Muslim athletes in Terengganu were required to wear Syariah-compliant clothes when competing in any championship whether at home or overseas in the future.
For a start, all Muslim football players under the Terengganu Football Association were required to wear Syariah-compliant attire.
However, there was no enforcement time-frame for the regulation because it depended on the level of readiness of the athletes.
Following that, Syed Saddiq made his stand known via Instagram yesterday that he did not agree with the matter and asked the Terengganu government to respect athletes’ choice and not harass them, leading to netizens slamming him.
Commenting further, Syed Saddiq said the Terengganu government should have called up all the athletes and state associations before making a decision.
“In this context, there is no problem if it was meant to encourage, but certain sports, especially like gymnastics, diving and swimming, have their own ‘preferences’.
“ ... I am afraid they (state government) did not have a dialogue or meet with them (athletes) before coming to a decision. In Terengganu itself, we have cyclist Azizul Hasni Awang, who has brought glory not only to the country but also to Muslims and non-Muslims in the country.
“So, I suggest they meet the athletes first and seek their views. InsyaAllah (God willing), we will come to a meeting point to move forward together,“ he said.
He said his ministry was ready to meet with the Terengganu government to find the best solution in the matter. — Bernama
