KUALA TERENGGANU, May 3 — Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin does not support efforts to rope in foreigners to represent Malaysia in sports.

He said it was not only against the development of sports policy in the country but also against the spirit of sportsmanship.

“In principle, I do not agree. Our policy is different than neighbouring countries where they can grant citizenship to foreigners to represent them in football,” he told reporters when met at Terengganu Motoring Carnival 2014, here yesterday.

Selangor’s foreign striker Paulo Rangel was quoted by newspapers as saying that he was prepared to represent Malaysia.

The Brazilian player was seen by many as the answer to the country’s lack of firepower up front.

Khairy said he did not encourage efforts to rope in players with no blood ties with citizens of this country.

On motorsport, he said the ministry plans to build two international standard Sprint Test circuits in Sepang and Muar to encourage youths to take up the sport.

However, the plan was in the early stage to identify suitable sites as required for international standard Sprint Test racing circuits.

On the Malaysia Games (Sukma), Khairy said Perlis Mentri Besar Azlan Man had promised him that the aquatic centre and badminton complex would be ready before the games start on May 24. — Bernama