KUCHING: Sukma host Sarawak has made a good impression on Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
She is convinced that the state has what it takes to host major events, including the Sea Games 2027, given its capabilities and financial strength.
Yeoh who witnessed the grand opening of the biennial games on Saturday night came away impressed with what she saw.
“If we look at the opening of Sukma Sarawak yesterday (Saturday night), this state indeed has the capacity to excel in organising sports events,” she declared.
Her vote of confidence also goes back to Sarawak stating that it is willing to pay for half the cost of hosting the Sea Games in three years’ time.
Yeoh was speaking to reporters at the Sarawak Squash Centre here, accompanied by Sukma Sarawak Contingent Chief Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, on Sunday.
After Sarawak invests significantly in developing sports facilities and athletes, she said the state will begin to be seen as a primary venue for hosting sports events in Malaysia.
“So, for future sports event organisation in Malaysia, the government might consider Sarawak as the host,” she said.
In this regard she also addressed the Sarawak government’s intention to co-host the Sea Games 2027.
Yeoh said her ministry has distributed letters to all ministries to get their feedback.
“A paper will then be presented to the cabinet for a decision,” she added, noting that three states have offered to assist in hosting the Sea Games namely, Sarawak, Sabah and Penang
At the Sukma Sarawak opening ceremony, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg indicated that the state is capable of being a co-host.
