KUALA LUMPUR – The Youth and Sports Ministry is considering implementing a code of conduct for national athletes to elevate their level of discipline, which appears to be lacking.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said that athletes should stop acting as if they are entitled and focus more on their training sessions instead of being active on social media.
“The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) advised their players to stay off social media and stay focused. We are not able to enforce this with independent players. Other athletes were also active on social media, posting about where they were spending time when they should have been practicing.
“This is the world of social media, but you cannot post every time you’re out walking or socialising with friends. I am seriously considering establishing a code of conduct for athletes next year.
“I believe we need to listen to our athletes, but at the same time, as far as the government is concerned, we have provided a great deal, including Employees Provident Funds and the Road to Gold (RTG) programme.
“We have given, but now we demand discipline. Athletes need to be professional and work hard. The coaches from China working in Malaysia say our athletes are not working as hard as Chinese athletes,” Hannah said during a press conference at the NSC today.
Hannah added that Malaysian athletes need to be professional and maintain discipline to serve as role models for upcoming athletes.
“I believe discipline is crucial. We heard from the experts; for instance, some athletes say, ‘we don’t want to work with this mental coach’ or ‘I don’t need a mental coach, I’m comfortable with my own coach.’ However, the experts say no — a mental coach is necessary because there are things a regular coach cannot address.
“Athletes need to act professionally and embrace new standards. Our athletes need to recognise the difference between basic needs and a sense of entitlement,” Hannah added.
Malaysia won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, courtesy of Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Lee Zii Jia. – November 14, 2024