Its minister, Hannah Yeoh, said this in a Facebook post today after two Muslim girls faced criticism for competing in the diving competition at the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma).
“The ministry is concerned that the state government’s directive limiting female athletes’ participation could stifle the potential of young talents and negatively affect the overall development of sports in the country,” Yeoh said.
“The ministry (also) hopes the Terengganu government does not discriminate against awarding victory incentives to these two divers, as they have contributed medals to their contingent.”
She said the two divers will continue their training at the Malaysian Sports School under the federal government’s supervision, with hopes for future national-level programme inclusion.
“National diving technical director Bryan Nickson has identified these divers as potential candidates for the national talent programme next year if they continue to show improvement in several upcoming tournaments,” she said.
On Monday, the Terengganu Amateur Swimming Association apologised for sending the two divers to Sukma following remarks by the state’s youth and sports committee chairman, Hishamuddin Abdul Karim.
Hishamuddin expressed shock that the girls took part in the event without the state government’s approval, given the sports council’s policy against female Muslims competing in diving over dress code concerns.
In 2018, Terengganu made it a requirement for state athletes to wear shariah-compliant clothing, both at home and while taking part in outstation events.
Four years later, it banned women from taking part in gymnastics events because of non-shariah-compliant outfits, forcing several Muslim female gymnasts from the state to retire from the sport.
However, Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar gave an assurance yesterday that the two divers, who won bronze medals at Sukma, will still receive incentives despite their participation not being officially sanctioned.
Uzlifatil Jannah Ashraf and Ilyssa Ixora Imran won the bronze medal in the 10m platform synchronised diving category, while Uzlifatil also won bronze in the 1m springboard category.