KUCHING: Sarawak has agreed to the federal government’s proposal to co-host the 2027 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He announced that Sarawak is willing to contribute half of the total RM750 million budget for the SEA Games, with the federal government covering the other half.
Abang Johari said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had informally approached him about the proposal during the signing of the Bintulu Port Agreement in Kuala Lumpur in March.
“During the signing, he (Anwar) asked if Sarawak could co-host the 2027 SEA Games.
“We are considering holding the opening ceremony in Sarawak and the closing ceremony in Peninsular Malaysia, specifically in Putrajaya. Additionally, we will share the costs of organising the SEA Games.
“I believe we can do it in 2027, as it aligns with our Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), particularly in talent development,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after officiating the 21st Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) and Para Sukma Kuching Division Baton Relay held at Kuching Waterfront here today (June 23).
He added that Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh had also discussed this proposal with Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Furthermore, Abang Johari highlighted that the initiative supports one of the key agendas of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), which is talent development.
He noted that this presents a valuable opportunity for Sarawak to showcase the talents of its athletes and to compete on the SEA Games stage.
“We know sports will foster fitness among young people, and we have valid reasons for supporting this. It is part of our human development strategy.
“We aim to nurture talent not just in sports but also in the economy. We want our youth to be active, and this is a fitness initiative we want to instil in our young population.
“We provide this for the youth because our future depends on them. If the youth are active, our future is bright,” he added.
