Kota bharu: Sports associations are urged to immediately resolve any internal issues that may arise before the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, scheduled from Dec 7 to 19. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh emphasized the importance of early resolution to ensure that the focus and preparations of the country’s athletes are not disrupted on the international stage.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yeoh stated, “Currently, all preparations are underway, so I would like to call on all sports associations if there are any internal issues, to resolve them immediately to ensure the smooth running and spirit of the national team is not affected.” She highlighted the urgency, noting that time is running out before the SEA Games in Thailand later this year. Yeoh expressed hope that the country’s athletes can fully utilize this opportunity as preparation for the next Games in Kuala Lumpur in 2027 and the Olympic Games expected to be held in 2028.
She made these comments after officiating the Youth Camp @ Rakan Prihatin 2025 at Pantai Cahaya Bulan. The event was also attended by the Ministry of Youth and Sports secretary-general, Datuk Dr. Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, and National Youth and Sports Department director-general, Azura Abidin.
Meanwhile, Yeoh commented on the appointment of Abdul Rashid Yaakub as chief executive officer (CEO) of the Secretariat of the Malaysian SEA Games (MASOC) and the 2027 ASEAN Para Games Organisers. She described the appointment as appropriate due to his extensive experience in the country’s sports sector. Abdul Rashid’s background with the National Sports Council (MSN), including his role during the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, and his work with various states like Sarawak, were highlighted as factors that contribute to his understanding of the challenges in managing large-scale sporting events.
Abdul Rashid, who is 61 and a former director-general of MSN, officially assumed the position of CEO of MASOC and Para ASEAN 2027 on July 1. He will lead the main secretariat responsible for coordinating all aspects of preparations for the regional biennial games.