KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak has reaffirmed its commitment to co-hosting the Southeast Asia (SEA) Games in 2027, despite neighbouring state Sabah reviewing and reconsidering its involvement.
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Federal Government and the Youth and Sports Ministry had confirmed that Sarawak would co-host the biennial SEA Games, which involves participants from the 11 countries of Southeast Asia.
"We (the Sarawak government) have generally agreed to be co-hosts of the SEA Games, and whether Sabah will be included as a co-host will depend on its meeting and joint decision with the Federal Government and Youth and Sports Ministry," he said after the launch of Matta Fair 2024 today.
Present was Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Earlier, in his speech, Karim said Sarawak was set play host to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup, where the state will co-host 10 matches in January next year.
"We are vying to co-host the 2027 SEA Games, further elevating our state on the global sporting map.
"These prestigious events will not only attract athletes, officials and fans from around the world but also provide an excellent opportunity to showcase Sarawak's unique culture, stunning landscapes and exceptional hospitality."
On Thursday, Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin said the state would review and reconsider a proposal to co-host the SEA Games.
He said the matter was agreed to by the state cabinet on Wednesday, following its evaluation of various aspects.
On Aug 28, the Youth and Sports Ministry announced that the Federal Government had accepted the offer from the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) to host the 2027 Sea Games.
The decision was approved by the cabinet in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after considering the commitment of three states — Sarawak, Sabah and Penang — to co-host the SEA Games.
It was reported that Sarawak agreed to cover 50 per cent of the cost, while Sabah is offering RM100 million and Penang RM15 million.
Malaysia last hosted the Sea Games in 2017, where the country emerged as overall champions with a haul of 145 gold, 92 silver, and 86 bronze medals.
Yesterday, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said preparations for hosting the SEA Games remained on track despite Sabah's reconsideration of its role as a co-host for the biennial event.
Yeoh said the National Sports Council was continuing its preparations for the event, bolstered by strong commitments from Sarawak and Penang to co-host the SEA Games.