KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia today called on its Asean friends to leverage on the 29th Sea Games platform, in uniting the regional community, irrespective of their background.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin who Kuala Lumpur in making the clarion call for a united Asean said the Sea Games had played an important part in shaping the communities in the region and that sports had in it the power to unite, inspire and bring out the best in them.
"That is why the theme for the 29th Sea Games is 'Rising Together'.
"From the first ever baton run that transverses the length and breadth of SouthEast Asia, visiting all our capital cities to our hopes for a green games, that leaves behind a sustainable legacy.
"Let us rise together as a region to celebrate the bonds that unite us, the spirit which lifts our athletes to go faster, higher and stronger, and the confidence of building brighter days ahead for our community in fulfilling the dreams of our forefathers - that the whole of Southeast Asia is greater than the sum of our parts" Khairy said in his speech at the opening of the 29th Sea Games here at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
The historical moment was officiated by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at 9.25pm tonight.
Khairy added that the Sea Games would always remain as a special event, as it was from the gamnes that many world champions from Asean were born.
"Through the games we create excitement, we forge memories and we leave a legacy of friendship and sportsmanship.
"And we have all come a long way. Our countries are not only fast developing but we now have Olympic and World champions.
"These and future champions were and will be born at the Southeast Asian Games. For many of them the Sea Games will remain special, because this is where it all begun," he added.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as well as other Cabinet ministers.
Kuala Lumpur is again hosting the biennial Sea Games after playing host to the 2001 edition.
Meanwhile, the Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar in his speech expressed delight over tonight's energetic opening while thanking Sultan Muhammad V for his presence at the auspicious event.
"This the sixth time that Malaysia, as a founding member, has hosted the game since its inception in 1959. On behalf of the federation, I would like to congratulate and thank Malaysia for hosting this game.
"I would also like to thank Khairy for all of his hardwork. I wish every success for all of the athletes and those who have been working hard in making this event a reality," he said.