Govt grilled over CYC
The Sun (28/5/08): The government was grilled in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) today over its commitment to organise the controversial Champions Youth Cup (CYC) which costs taxpayers RM17 million per edition.
Criticisms from the Pakatan Rakyat MPs came during the debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill, and Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah had his hands full defending the programme which was held for the first time last year to poor audience support.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has decided not to give its sanction to this event this year. Even if it is not held, the government has to forego RM8 million as it is tied to a contract for three years.
Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (PAS-Pengkalan Chepa) questioned the benefits the CYC brings to the country.
Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) said it is too costly to host the CYC and suggested the Malaysian team be sent overseas for training as it is cheaper.
He said the players can learn from the clubs there and gain exposure instead of spending RM17 million.
"If we focus too much on sports tourism, it will affect the focus of our sports, like the current state of our football."
William Leong (DAP-Selayang) said the CYC does not have the support of the FAM. "So what is the urgent need to give the funds?"
Mohd Firdaus Jaafar (PAS-Jerai) said the CYC has only resulted in two players being sent for training overseas. "Furthermore, Malaysia has dropped in the ranking to 169."
Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Ind-Pasir Mas) suggested the Youth and Sports Minister visit Africa where world class players are also produced. "They play barefoot, they don't even have jerseys to wear and yet they are of world class standard. Take me along so I can be your driver."
In defending the CYC, Ahmad Husni said: "There are the tangible and intangible benefits to it, the intangible becomes tangible when training is provided to the young talents." He cited Brazil’s Ronaldo and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo as world class players who benefited from such training.
"After they are spotted, and with exposure, they become world class players so CYC has good elements.
"The CYC is one of three programmes by the Youth and Sports Ministry which benefits in terms of sports and tourism. The tangible part of it is attracting some 21 million tourists," Ahmad Husni said.
He said an ad hoc committee set up between the FAM, the Attorney-General, the ministry and a panel of advisers will look at the organisation of the CYC. The CYC involves a cost of RM17 million per year being paid to the Gifted Group Limited (GGL).
While making no mention of the RM17 million allocation for each year, Ahmd Husni said the amount given for the organisation of the event stands at RM2 million, adding that such events provide training and exposure for our athletes.
"The CYC also has relevance to giant football clubs like Manchester United, Latin America’s Flamingo, Chelsea, Arsenal, AC Milan, Ajax, Barcelona and it was supposed to include Real Madrid this year. Imagine a 16 or 17-year-old competing with players from these giant teams. It will display his competence, strength and skill. Furthermore, through agreements (under the CYC), we can also send our athletes overseas and several people have already benefited from this," Ahmad Husni added.
Criticisms from the Pakatan Rakyat MPs came during the debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill, and Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah had his hands full defending the programme which was held for the first time last year to poor audience support.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has decided not to give its sanction to this event this year. Even if it is not held, the government has to forego RM8 million as it is tied to a contract for three years.
Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (PAS-Pengkalan Chepa) questioned the benefits the CYC brings to the country.
Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) said it is too costly to host the CYC and suggested the Malaysian team be sent overseas for training as it is cheaper.
He said the players can learn from the clubs there and gain exposure instead of spending RM17 million.
"If we focus too much on sports tourism, it will affect the focus of our sports, like the current state of our football."
William Leong (DAP-Selayang) said the CYC does not have the support of the FAM. "So what is the urgent need to give the funds?"
Mohd Firdaus Jaafar (PAS-Jerai) said the CYC has only resulted in two players being sent for training overseas. "Furthermore, Malaysia has dropped in the ranking to 169."
Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Ind-Pasir Mas) suggested the Youth and Sports Minister visit Africa where world class players are also produced. "They play barefoot, they don't even have jerseys to wear and yet they are of world class standard. Take me along so I can be your driver."
In defending the CYC, Ahmad Husni said: "There are the tangible and intangible benefits to it, the intangible becomes tangible when training is provided to the young talents." He cited Brazil’s Ronaldo and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo as world class players who benefited from such training.
"After they are spotted, and with exposure, they become world class players so CYC has good elements.
"The CYC is one of three programmes by the Youth and Sports Ministry which benefits in terms of sports and tourism. The tangible part of it is attracting some 21 million tourists," Ahmad Husni said.
He said an ad hoc committee set up between the FAM, the Attorney-General, the ministry and a panel of advisers will look at the organisation of the CYC. The CYC involves a cost of RM17 million per year being paid to the Gifted Group Limited (GGL).
While making no mention of the RM17 million allocation for each year, Ahmd Husni said the amount given for the organisation of the event stands at RM2 million, adding that such events provide training and exposure for our athletes.
"The CYC also has relevance to giant football clubs like Manchester United, Latin America’s Flamingo, Chelsea, Arsenal, AC Milan, Ajax, Barcelona and it was supposed to include Real Madrid this year. Imagine a 16 or 17-year-old competing with players from these giant teams. It will display his competence, strength and skill. Furthermore, through agreements (under the CYC), we can also send our athletes overseas and several people have already benefited from this," Ahmad Husni added.
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