Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed the power of sports in unifying Malaysians across ethnic and cultural lines, saying it brings people together in shared support for a common cause.
“Whether in football or badminton, everyone is gathered together and wants one thing – for their team to win,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter whether they are Malay or Chinese, Dayak or Indian. They are Malaysian.”
Anwar was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Olympic House, which will serve as the new headquarters for the National Olympic Committee (NOC) Malaysia.
The event was also attended by youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh and Olympic Council of Malaysia president Norza Zakaria.
In June last year, Anwar said shared interests and team spirit, cultivated through sports, had the capacity to bridge urban and rural communities, while also transcending ethnic and religious divides.
Today, the prime minister drew a sharp contrast between the camaraderie found in sports and the divisiveness of politics.
“In politics, people tend to ‘kill’ one another,” he lamented, noting the lack of sportsmanship in political discourse.
Commenting on the Olympic House, Anwar said the new complex would not only attract sports enthusiasts but also engage the wider public, especially the youth.
He expressed hope that the housing of more than 50 sports organisations under one roof would foster collaboration and constructive dialogue.
“They must give ideas, suggestions and criticisms to enhance Malaysian sports,” he said.
The prime minister commended Norza for his dedication in ensuring the project’s realisation.
Speaking separately, Norza said the RM93 million project, undertaken by Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) through a land swap deal, is expected to take between 24 and 36 months to complete.
According to Norza, the Olympic House is set to become Malaysia’s first green-energy sports headquarters, designed to serve both people and the planet.
“What makes this project even more meaningful is the way it’s being shaped. It will be a building that does not just serve people but also honours the environment at the same time.”
He said the complex will incorporate sustainable materials, alongside energy-efficient features, including solar panels, smart lighting and natural ventilation.
It will also boast rainwater harvesting systems and native landscaping to enhance comfort while minimising adverse environmental impact.
“Over 26% of the site will be dedicated to green space,” Norza added.
“It will be a place that reflects the values we want to live by.”
The building will be located near the National Hockey Stadium and will be modelled after the International Olympic Committee’s headquarters in Switzerland.
