Aren't the mountainous regions of Cameron Highlands or Genting Highlands cold enough for our athletes to adapt to cold weather?

That was the questioned posed by Gerakan Youth vice-chairperson S Paranjothy, in response to the government proposal to build a sports academy in London which reportedly cost a cool RM490 million.

Ever since the government urged citizens to change their lifestyle in light of rising fuel and utility prices, Paranjothy said there was no reason why a similar complex cannot be built in Malaysia.

"The building of the sports complex in London cost nearly half a billion ringgit, wouldn't it be wiser to be used in subsidising petrol for the benefit of the people?" opined the vocal Paranjothy in a statement.

But should the government insist on building a sports academy overseas, he suggested that Australia, with its proven track record in sports excellence, might be cheaper and more viable alternative.

Think it through

Meanwhile, Paranjothy's Barisan Nasional counterpart and Ayer Hitam MP Dr Wee Ka Siong ( right ) felt that the proposed sports complex would require time for deliberation.

"Since it is just in a pre-mature stages, actions can be taken to stop it and reconsider the viability of the project [...] There is no need to rush," he said when contacted yesterday.

He said that it was vital for the government to first evaluate whether cheaper solutions were available.

Should the government insist in proceeding with the proposal, the onus will be on the government to convince the MPs and the people to justify the decision.

For now, Wee said that he shared the sentiments of his fellow MPs in opposing the proposal.