it aint cool dude!

EVER wondered what happened to the extreme sports scene in the country?

The nation was all hyped up when the Asian X Games was held in KLCC, Bukit Jalil and Sunway for three consecutive years in the early 2000 during then Sports Minister Hishamuddin Tun Hussien Onn's era.

With the new minister Azalina Othman in charge, little progress is seen within the sport.

It would be wrong to solely blame the lady minister for the lack of development as this rests on the shoulder of the association (Xtreme Sports Association Malaysia). Nevertheless, there have been antics of hers which do suggest she is neither interested nor bothered to follow through Hishamuddin's mini projects.

Azalina was right for not bringing the X Games back to Malaysia as the government paid ESPN millions just for hosting rights. However, it's surprising to note the minister is not aware of the current x-games situation for she was only spotted once during Nestle-Milo's X-Games product (or rather packing) at Bukit Jalil during her early days as minister.

Even during the opening of the Bukit Kiara ramp (next to Royal Selangor Club) which also houses the ministry's office, Azalina was said to be more interested in the hilly view rather than the lads showcasing their skills on the ramps.

Azalina has stressed many a times that her administration believes there is more than just the eight core sports. However, antics of hers make observers wonder to why isn't she neutral when it comes to all types of sports- regardless the fact it was initiated by a friend or a foe.

Perhaps we're just too paranoid, or perhaps we're right. And with another election around the corner, a new minister is set to take charge and let's see what good (or mess) he or she will create.

Note: There are several ramps available for public use around the Klang Valley namely Taman Metropolitan (Jalan Ipoh), Section 13 Shah Alam and the PJ City Council ramp.

-The Man Who Sold The World-