BY NATASHA JEE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: Sarawak will co-host the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games with the Malaysian government.
This follows after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave his approval for Sarawak to take on this significant role.
“On behalf of the Malaysian government, I agree for Sarawak to co-host the 2027 SEA Games with the Malaysian government.
“I mentioned this to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh that during the upcoming Cabinet meeting on (this coming) Wednesday, we will (formally) confirm this decision.
“I am making this announcement now due to the strong encouragement from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Sarawak has excellent infrastructure and a strong team, with Hannah and Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Hamzah leading a dedicated and committed team that has demonstrated outstanding preparation.
“So, there should be no difficulty in hosting the SEA Games. I am confident that you all can execute it successfully,” he said.
He said this during the closing ceremony of 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) at the Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya here last night (Aug 24).
The Prime Minister also urged immediate preparations for both the 2026 SUKMA and the 2027 SEA Games, stressing the importance of training and readiness.
“We must start preparations now. The federal government through the Youth and Sports Ministry and the state government will be asked to begin all necessary preparations, along with the relevant sports bodies.
“Sports associations should be mobilised to focus on improving the quality and performance of our athletes, and not get distracted by other minor issues.
“This is because sometimes news about sports associations can be worrying and concerning,” he said.
Therefore, he urged everyone to prepare early, as the government has agreed to host an international-level sports event in collaboration with the Sarawak government here.
“Preparations should commence immediately. These preparations involve the entire government machinery and the sports associations.
“Most importantly, the athletes involved must begin training now. Because we want to achieve, if not championship status, then at least an excellent performance in the 2027 SEA Games.
“Can we do it? Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban,” said Anwar.
