KUALA LUMPUR: Organizing the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia is in ‘unclear’ status when the Minister of Youth and Sports (KBS), Hannah Yeoh announced that her ministry is still in the process of initial discussions with several stake holders.
For now, Hannah said, her ministry has been directed by the Cabinet to obtain more information and impact studies that will be obtained through organizing the bi-annual theme in Malaysia.
“The cabinet asked KBS to obtain more information regarding the organization of the 2027 SEA Games and we have also held a meeting with the National Sports Council.
“I will also meet with the Malaysian Olympic Council (MOM) to make sure we start discussions to look at the impact study on the campaign. The matter is ongoing and I don’t want to comment further,” Hannah told the media after the ‘Play Ture Day’ Celebration Ceremony and friendly friendly session between the minister and members of the ministry and the main KBS stake holders at the Axiata Arena, today.
Two years ago, MOM announced that Malaysia had been selected as the host for the 34th edition of the SEA Games in 2027 at a SEA Sports Federation (SEAGF) meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Its president, Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria reportedly said that SEAGF had contacted MOM to submit an offer to Malaysia to host the 2027 SEA Games following Brunei’s withdrawal.
“We’re waiting for KBS to do a study first. If I say we’re going along with it, it will be like we’ve ratified it (the 2027 SEA Games). Now this is for the congregation of ministers… all the working papers we brought, the Ministry of Finance wants to make sure we get it right -really make a study of its impact.
“We don’t want it (if) it stretches out, (then) suggests it and after two or three years, we say there’s not enough money and ask for additional (funds). Things like that shouldn’t exist.
“The Prime Minister wants each ministry to be truly responsible regarding the existing budget and the Cabinet has asked KBS to ensure that we announce it to organizers or sports associations so that before they bid on anything (a tournament or theme) to make sure they can pass the KBS first,” he said.
Hannah said that her party also cannot predict when the decision on the status of the recommendation will be announced considering that her party is still in initial discussions.
“I don’t know anymore because we are currently having preliminary discussions and I will update the Cabinet again after meeting with stakeholders including corporate bodies as well,” he said.
The last time Malaysia hosted the SEA Games was in 2017 with the country’s contingent emerging as overall champions by picking up 145 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze medals.
Comments are closed.