Hannah Yeoh: National Sports Associations Must Follow Home Ministry Rules to Use Naturalised Players"

KUALA LUMPUR — Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has emphasized that any National Sports Association (NSA) seeking to recruit naturalised players must adhere to the Home Ministry’s (KDN) regulations. Failure to comply with these conditions could prevent the use of "imported players" to bolster teams.

She explained that some players may not meet the requirements due to conditions set by KDN, not because the ministry is unwilling to assist. "These conditions are important for the associations to understand, and while we’ll support coordination efforts, the final decision rests with the Home Minister," she said.

Yeoh's statement comes after the Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) expressed interest in naturalising players for the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand. MABA seeks approval for two male and one female player for their 3x3 and 5x5 basketball teams.

In another update, Yeoh welcomed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) conclusion that no criminal wrongdoing was found in the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) investigation. MACC confirmed there were no criminal elements in the case involving a senior BAM official who was accused of improperly claiming allowances. A final report will be submitted to Yeoh for further action.