'Don't sideline home-grown swimmers', says critic
KUALA LUMPUR: Sports critic Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said Malaysia's move to get heritage swimmers is a positive step, but warned against sidelining home-grown talent.
The national body, Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) has revealed that it is on the lookout for swimmers of Malaysian heritage overseas.
MAS deputy president Marilyn Chua said recently they had identified potential candidates in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The National Sports Council (NSC) has backed the move, saying it aligns with practices already seen in Southeast Asia. NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin said countries like the Philippines had adopted similar approaches during the 2019 Sea Games.
Pekan said: "This is actually a good effort. But it's not like we don't have talent. If we work hard enough, we shouldn't need to look abroad.
"But if there are suitable candidates, they can add value to the national team."
Pekan said a larger physique, like long limbs and height, greatly aids swimming, but he believes Malaysia has capable athletes and shouldn't rely too much on foreign swimmers.
He said the ultimate goal is still the development of Malaysian swimmers.
"Heritage swimmers can strengthen the team, but they shouldn't overshadow our own talent.
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