PUTRAJAYA: The management swap of National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Jefri Ngadirin and Sports Commissioner Ariffin Ghani is part of the Youth and Sports Ministry's strategy to strengthen the country's sports ecosystem.
Youth and Sports Minister Taufiq Johari said the restructuring took into account the experience and expertise of both officials to enhance the roles of their respective agencies, particularly following the approval of the Sports Development (Amendment) Bill 2026.
Under the transfer, which takes effect on Thursday, Arrifin has been appointed NSC director-general, while Jefri takes over as sports commissioner.
Taufiq said the amendment to the Bill strengthens the powers and role of the sports commissioner, making Jefri's extensive experience dealing with sports associations and athletes an advantage in improving the governance of the country's sports bodies.
"Based on Jefri's experience working with sports associations, athletes and others, we believe his role as Sports Commissioner can be further strengthened.
"Arrifin, meanwhile, has experience as a former athlete, along with other relevant experience that prompted us to carry out this restructuring to make the country's sports ecosystem stronger," he said at a press conference during the Jalur Gemilang handover ceremony for the national contingent to the Dakar Youth Olympic Games in Senegal here on Thursday.
Taufiq explained that the transfers were neither a sudden decision nor one made by an individual, but followed a deliberation process involving the NSC board of directors and the ministry's top management.
"The transfers required a process, although we did not announce it publicly. It was not a decision made by one party or an individual, but one that took various factors into account, including the views of the NSC board of directors and the ministry's management.
"This is part of our strategy to strengthen the country's sports ecosystem ahead of major upcoming events, particularly the 2027 SEA Games, which we will host," he said.
Meanwhile, Arrifin said his appointment as NSC director-general was a major responsibility, describing the new role as an opportunity to return to an organisation where he had previously served.
He said the focus now was to maintain the country's successful momentum at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, while ensuring the national contingent could achieve excellent results at next year's SEA Games.
"As the host, we are not just hoping to win, but to win convincingly," he said.
Commenting on preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Arrifin said the NSC would reassess its approach to athlete support programmes, including the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, to ensure promising athletes received the best possible preparation.
He added that he would also examine areas for improvement in the NSC's management, but stressed that these efforts must be undertaken without disrupting the momentum of existing successes.
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