Syed Saddiq said this was necessary to prevent political interference in sports, which might affect the future of sports in the country.
“I would like to urge Members of Parliament, if possible, please do not accept appointments as president or chairman of existing sports associations. This may seem small but the implications are great.
“When such appointments are accepted, there will be letters later telling the ministry that it must give additional allocation to the sports association.
“In the developed world, no politician is leading a sports association,” he said when winding up the motion on the 11th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review for his ministry, today.
Syed Saddiq said the interference by politicians could disrupt the ministry’s method of allocating financial allocations which should be based on merit and performance to ensure that the truly qualified associations received the funds.
However, he said the ministry could not intervene in the selection of office-bearers by sports associations as it would have a major implication.
“The implication is huge if the minister intervene, for example if I say I issue a directive, it is highly likely that FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) or the Malaysian football team cannot represent Malaysia internationally, as there will be a sanction from FIFA as had happened in Indonesia recently when there was intervention from their ministry,” he said.
Meanwhile, when met by reporters at the Parliament lobby, Syed Saddiq said anyone wishing to lead a sports association should have the expertise and interest in the sport and not just political positions.
“It is to ensure that the country’s sporting landscape is driven by sports enthusiasts and those who are qualified. Do not come to the ministry to request for special or additional provisions just because they have a political position,” he said.
He said this when asked to comment on media reports that Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Mohd Rashid Hasnon had offered to contest as Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA) president.
Meanwhile, commenting on his statement that the era of Malay supremacy had ended, Syed Saddiq said matters enshrined in the Federal Constitution should be maintained and defended.
“Now is the time to make sure we move forward together and the Malays can be recognised as independent and sovereign. And Malay leaders come from among those who are trustworthy and with integrity,” he said.
On Saturday, Syed Saddiq, who is PPBM Youth leader, reportedly said that the days of Malay supremacy had ended and Malaysia was moving towards a new phase that fought for equality, and that was also the agenda championed by the party.
The statement by the youngest minister in the Malaysian Cabinet had been criticised by some.