KUCHING – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given his nod for Sarawak to co-host the Southeast Asian (Sea) Games in 2027 following the state’s successful hosting of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI).
In praising Sarawak’s “outstanding” management of Sukma XXI, which he described as one of the best in recent history, he said this was proof that the state was ready to play a part in the regional sporting event.
“Given Sarawak’s proven ability to host major sporting events, on behalf of the Malaysian government, I agree that Sarawak will co-host the 2027 Sea Games.
“I will confirm this in the upcoming cabinet meeting on Wednesday,” he said during the Sukma XXI closing ceremony at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya here tonight.
Anwar said the decision was supported by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, while noting the strong capabilities of and excellent preparations by the state government and officials.
“With the commitment and extraordinary efforts shown by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and the entire team, I have no doubt that Sarawak will execute the Sea Games successfully,” he added.
He then called for preparations to begin immediately for both the next Sukma and the Sea Games.
He also urged sports associations to focus on improving the quality and performance of their athletes and to avoid distractions that could undermine their performance.
“As we prepare to host this international event with the cooperation of the Sarawak government here in Kuching, the entire government machinery and associations must start their preparations now.
“Athletes should begin their training to ensure that, even if we do not win, we achieve an excellent performance at the Sea Games 2027,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, the prime minister congratulated all the participating athletes for their high spirit of unity throughout Sukma XXI.
He highlighted that this spirit had resulted in remarkable performances, including the breaking of seven national records and 21 Sukma records.
Anwar also said the atmosphere at the opening ceremony was so impressive that some had even claimed it rivalled the Paris Olympics.
“This truly reflects Sarawak’s spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’,” he said, referring to the Iban phrase meaning “together in unity”.
Also present at the opening ceremony was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
During the ceremony, Anwar presented the Sukma XXI overall champions trophy to Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, who is Sarawak contingent chef de mission.
Sarawak finished the Games with 76 gold, pipping the Federal Territories by a single gold in a nail-biting finish on the final day to end its 30-year wait.
The last time Sarawak was overall champions was in 1994, when the biennial games were hosted by Johor. – August 25,2024