The Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) should be more pro-active in offering advice and monitoring of motorsport events, said Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek today.

He was responding to MAM chief executive officer Razlan Razali's remarks that the ill-fated drag racing event at last Saturday's Hari Belia in Putrajaya was not sanctioned by the MAM nor had the body been consulted over the event.

ahmad shabery cheek 041108 02 Shabery ( right ) was speaking after visiting victims of the drag race accident at Hospital Putrajaya today.

"In 2010, I went to see one (motorsports event in Cyberjaya) and I brought with me the CEO of MAM, and he said he only just knew about (the event).

"In this case, if I were someone in the golfing world, I would have to know how many golf courses there are, if possible.

“I cannot say that since nobody told me, I don't know," said Shabery, saying that MAM should keep tabs on related events, and that the ministry would welcome advice from them.

However, he stressed that he was not blaming any party over the issue, saying that he was personally "not a hundred percent" satisfied with the safety precautions that had been taken and that an investigation into the matter would be conducted with the MAM's involvement.

Drag race crash Four were seriously injured and 13 others hurt in the accident last Saturday, when a drag racer lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the side of the road into a crowd of spectators.

Ultimately, if the investigation shows that there were oversights in terms of safety, then action will definitely be taken against the ones at fault, he said, emphasising that for the moment, he would not point fingers or defend anyone.

“When I reported this to the cabinet and expressed my regret, I said I was ready to take responsibility although many steps had been taken (to ensure safety at the race),” he said.

'More of a show than a competition'

Also, he explained that having such an event sanctioned by the MAM was not required as it was more of a show rather than a professional competition, adding that he had discussed the matter with the Sports Commissioner’s Office.

Drag race crash Shabery Cheek “This was an event approved by the ministry, it does not necessarily need sanctioning because it did not involve rankings.

“The issue of safety standards in sanctioning is between the MAM and the commissioner to discuss,” he said.

Responding to questions on whether the venue was suitable for a drag race, Ahmad Shabery conceded: “The problem is our country does not have the place (for such a race).”

However, he said, if such events were not allowed altogether, then people would organise races themselves like ‘mat rempits' which would be even more uncontrolled and dangerous.

Still, the government is looking into creating the facilities necessary for such races, including proper race tracks and grandstands to allow spectators to watch from a distance, he added.

His main concern, however, is still the victims of the accident, whose families have agreed that the issue should not be politicised.

While the ministry will look into any possible insurance coverage for the victims, they will help cover the medical costs of the treatment if needed, he said, adding that the organisers will also be involved.

For the time being, he is glad that the victims seem to be doing well, reporting that Muhammad Iskandar and Muhammad Fairuz, two of the victims, were now able to eat and speak.

Fairuz, he added, may be able to leave the intensive care unit today, although Muhammad Iskandar will need more time to recover as his injuries as more severe.

“I have ensured that my officers are at the hospital from time to time, to keep in contact with the (victims’) families and give help if needed.”

'I'm open to feedback'

On an unrelated matter, the minister also responded to PAS Youth’s criticism of ‘sexy’ K-pop performances at the Hari Belia events, saying he was “open” to feedback on the matter.

Yesterday, PAS Youth information chief Riduan Mohd Nor derided the performances as “sinful” and “against the teachings of Islam”.

“I receive positively any criticisms, there may be one or two (items at the event) that may need to be reviewed and I am open to this,” he said, but expressed the view that the gigs were only a small part of the many events held.

“It’s not that I am defending it... I apologise if there were one or two things that were unsuitable,” he said, adding that such performances would not be held in the future if they found there was no need to.

Still, he described the five-day Million Youths Rally 2012 as a family-friendly event, claiming that many agreed it to be a good “family outing” without any “embarrassment”.