SIBU: Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is hoping that Sarawak’s appeal to the federal government to involve all the 12 divisions in hosting the next Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in would be approved.
He said Sarawak intends to replicate the approach taken during the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA), which engaged nine divisions across the state.
“We will try to extend this to other divisions, but the decision ultimately rests with Kuala Lumpur.
“I cannot pre-emptively say whether it will be held in Sibu, Miri, or other parts of Sarawak, although there have been requests for the SEA Games to be decentralised across divisions.
“However, it would be great if Sarawak could co-host the 2027 SEA Games and spread out the events, similar to what we achieved during SUKMA,” the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development said during the SUKMA Sarawak Central Zone Appreciation Night at a prominent hotel here last night (Nov 21).
Abdul Karim emphasised that the final decision lies with the main committee in Kuala Lumpur.
“We will have to wait and see, but I hope our request will be considered favourably,” he added.
Meanwhile, on the 21st SUKMA, Abdul Karim said that it was even larger in scale than the SEA Games, which has never featured such a high number of sports events.
“Many people may not realise that the 21st SUKMA, hosted by Sarawak, was the largest in the history of this country. In fact, this edition was bigger than the SEA Games, which has never included 37 sports events,” he said.
He attributed Sarawak’s success in hosting the games and emerging as overall champions to the unwavering support of the people and the dedication of those involved in its organisation.
“The support from Sarawakians inspired our athletes to give their all, win numerous medals, and ultimately crown Sarawak as the overall champion of this SUKMA edition,” he said.
He paid tribute to everyone involved, calling them the unsung heroes who ensured the event’s success.
“I hope the spirit of SUKMA continues to thrive among Sarawakians and helps Sarawak solidify its position as a sporting powerhouse,” he said.
Also present were Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and SUKMA 2024 chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Hii Chang Kee, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, and Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam.
