Reform in Sport and Excellence (RISE) said stakeholders deserved more than “vague assurances” when it came to upgrading a running track to meet World Athletics standards.

RISE spokesman Hamdi Jaafar said stakeholders should be furnished with details such as the contract value, inspection methods, live demonstrations, comparisons with rival systems, and the decision makers in the matter.

“Simply stating ‘requirements are met’ is not enough,” the former national hurdler said in a statement.

Hamdi was responding to an FMT report that complaints from contractors and growing unease in parts of the sports sector had sparked a tender controversy over upgrade contracts linked to the TM National Stadium.

The works involve two major packages: a new running track and protective flooring for the stadium ahead of the 2027 SEA Games.

PSM said it selected China’s JRace prefabricated system after the product met technical requirements and World Athletics standards. However, it did not disclose the contract value or name the successful contractor.

Industry estimates place the running track package at about RM16 million, while the combined value of both projects is believed to be around RM24 million. PSM said evaluators assessed technical capability, pricing, and performance before making a decision.

However, the corporation did not explain how officials compared rival systems or whether evaluators carried out live demonstrations, product testing, or site inspections before finalising the award.

Hamdi said that operating in silos came at a cost, including policy misalignment that ignores community needs, wasted resources, and the inefficient use of tax money.

He also cited the risk of eroding trust, which he said would fuel public frustration, as well as compliance burdens that confuse and alienate stakeholders.

“The public demands open collaboration, real‑time engagement, and entrepreneurial problem‑solving. PSM must embrace this shift – not as a choice, but as a responsibility.”