KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has rejected the offer by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, said the Youth and Sports Ministry.
In a statement, the ministry said this decision was made after the cabinet meeting today, taking into account all aspects of organising the Games and their implications.
“The cabinet noted that the CGF’s offer of £100 million (RM603 million) was deemed insufficient to cover the extensive costs associated with organising such a large-scale sporting event.
“The Madani government thanked the CGF for offering to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. However, at this point, the government wants to focus on sports development as well as the welfare and wellbeing of the people.”
The CGF delegation had met with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan on February 5 for an information-sharing session.
Previously, Yeoh told the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysia should not spend more than the RM603-million grant offered to host the 2026 Games.
“My view as minister is that the Youth and Sports Ministry will always put the people’s interests first. We will never waste taxpayers’ funds, even if we are to host the Games.
“If, and only if we decide to host, the ministry suggests that expenses for the Games not exceed the grant given by the CGF.
“If public funds are to be used, then the best option may be not to host it. For this, we will wait for the cabinet (to decide),” she had said.
The CGF turned to Malaysia after Australian state Victoria’s withdrawal, with the governing body offering a grant of £100 million.
Malaysia had hosted the Games in 1998, which were said to incur losses of RM11.6 million and accounts could only be closed 13 years later due to suits over non-payments. – March 22, 2024