OUR youngest minister is being deluged with advice from all quarters of society, as most fear that his tender age and inexperience may not be enough to help him withstand the rigours of the job at hand. I beg to differ.

It is opined that Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman aka Bro Saddiq is the breath of fresh air sports in this country so desperately needs.

Bro Saddiq, advice is probably gushing in from all sides, most of which are from the armchair. Here’s my two sen, too.

It would be prudent to start with schools and move gradually from there. Teachers play an extremely integral role in nurturing and identifying talent. Identify these educators and make it worth their while, career-wise.

There are so many dedicated and passionate teachers who have been instrumental in many a sportsman’s success in the past. Reward and honour them and it will be the first catalytic step in the right direction.

There was a time when employers from both the government and private sectors prioritised good sportsmen in terms of gainful employment.

Banks and uniform bodies used to be in competitive pursuit of sportsmen as it was in their interest to promote sports as part of enhancing their image. Their internal tournaments and meets were instrumental in producing so many gifted sportsmen in the past.  

Revive that competitive spirit!

Promotions for those who represent and achieve glory for the nation should become the norm. Instil this practice once again. Provide a long-term plan for outstanding sportsmen who had achieved the extraordinary.

Special attention must be given to those who excel both in academics and sports. Ensure that they, in time, will be involved in research and development for the future of all sports. Their financial security must be assured from the outset.

Communities must be encouraged to ensure that their children take part in sports and local competitions. This must be systematically organised and given ministerial backing, especially when it comes to funding.

The way Australia goes about doing this would be a good act to study. Scholarships must be made available for those with potential from the school level right up to the tertiary level.

Universities are the right platform to nurture and produce sportsmen of the highest level. Make it worth their time by ensuring sought-after jobs are assured.

This must be complemented with the ease and flexibility given to ensure sportsmen are allowed every opportunity to realise their potential. Employers from all sectors have to be on board to support this approach.

If studies and employment are tailored to these sportsmen’s abilities, we will be able to get the best out of them.

Bro, surround yourself with those who have the knowledge of what it takes to to be world-class sportsmen.

Get rid of dead wood administrators who are in it only for their own selfish needs. Discipline, sacrifice, honour, perseverance, espirit de corp and endurance are just some of the qualities inborn in true sportsmen.

We need to get New Malaysia into this mindset if we are to achieve the real aspirations of nationhood and reclaim the wonderful feeling of being Malaysian. Sports can do this.

So bro, put the system in place and we will soon have a pack of world-beaters, notwithstanding the fact that sports binds the fibres of nationhood. – July 9, 2018. 

* G.Selva reads The Malaysian Insight. 

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.