Silambam not raised in Parliament doesn't mean we're not working: Rayer

RSN Rayer has stressed that the government takes action on community concerns even if they are not raised in Parliament, citing Selangor’s recent proposal to retain the Indian martial art silambam for the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma). 

The Jelutong MP from DAP lamented that after news of the sport’s exclusion from the upcoming Sukma initially made the rounds on social media last week, certain quarters were quick to “attack and criticise” the federal and state governments for allegedly sidelining the Indian community. 

He asserted that irresponsible parties had used the issue to stir up hatred and racial sentiments, especially among the Indian community, with some detractors criticising government figures for not bringing up the matter in Parliament. 

Some of the targets for such condemnation, Rayer said, included himself, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Deputy National Unity Minister K Saraswathy, and Selangor exco member V Papparaidu. 

“We wish to inform the public that it is not always necessary to bang the table and openly criticise the government in Parliament whenever there are shortcomings. 

“There are other ways and approaches that can be used… In reality, when we received word that this (silambam) matter had gone viral, it was immediately brought to the federal and state governments’ attention,” Rayer told a press conference in Parliament today.

Also present at the press conference were Saraswathy, Papparaidu, Klang MP V Ganabatirau, Segamat MP R Yuneswaran, and Batu MP P Prabakaran.

‘We listen, keep supporting us’

Rayer also hailed the Selangor government’s decision to propose silambam’s inclusion for the 2026 Sukma as an example of federal and state administrations listening to the people’s concerns and taking positive steps for an agreeable outcome. 

“We want to assure Malaysians, especially those of Indian descent, to continue supporting the unity government under the prime minister’s leadership. 

“Rest assured, if there are shortcomings or problems faced by the people - even if not raised in Parliament - discussions will take place among ministers, deputy ministers, and state exco members to ensure the matter is given attention,” he said. 

Former Penang deputy chief minister II and Urimai chairperson P Ramasamy had previously taken Yeoh to task over silambam’s initial exclusion from the 2026 Sukma, saying that the sport is a centuries-old tradition and a source of pride for the Indian community.

Amid backlash, Yeoh pointed out that muay thai was also not selected for the games, but acknowledged disappointment over silambam’s exclusion. 

Urging against racialising the exclusion, Yeoh also said the host state in every Sukma edition has the freedom to select the sports contested in the games.

Silambam and Sukma

Last Friday, Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship exco Najwan Halimi said a proposal to include petanque, muay thai, and silambam for the 2026 Sukma will be submitted soon to the games’ supreme council.

He added that the approval depends on all state representatives attending the council meeting chaired by Yeoh.

Silambam was first introduced in Sukma during the 2008 edition of the games and continued to be part of the following editions in 2010, 2011, and 2013, before the sport was dropped.

However, it returned as a demonstration sport in 2022 before making a comeback as a medal sport in 2024.

The 2026 Sukma will be held across nine districts in Selangor from Aug 15 to 24 next year.

Reporting by Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain, Haspaizi Zain, Hariz Mohd, Dania Kamal Aryf

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