Kuching to host 2027 SEA Games opening ceremony, says Abg Jo

KUCHING (Oct 28): The 2027 SEA Games opening ceremony will be held in Kuching, following Sarawak’s impressive hosting of the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) opening ceremony, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He confirmed the decision was reached with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, highlighting that the Sukma XXI opening ceremony has set a new benchmark for the opening ceremonies of sporting events in the country.

“Our Prime Minister approached me and said, let’s organise the SEA Games together. I asked him how much we would need to contribute, and he suggested we split the cost 50-50. I agreed but on the condition that the opening ceremony must be held in Kuching.

“As you’ve seen, our Sukma XXI opening ceremony was exceptional; some even said it rivalled the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. So we already have a (high) standard.

“Sarawak can achieve this because when given a task, we approach it with professionalism and deliver success. That’s our motto,” he said during the Sukma XXI Appreciation Night held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night.

Abang Johari noted that organising the SEA Games is an investment, not just a showcase Sarawak’s hosting capabilities.

He said with the creation of Sarawak’s new airline, the state can generate income from hosting international sporting events.

“Many athletes from outside of Malaysia and tourists will come to Sarawak at that time. Hopefully our airline will be ready by then,” he added.

Abang Johari also highlighted that Sukma XXI has set a new benchmark for sports events in Malaysia, with even the Prime Minister acknowledging the challenge other states would face in matching Sarawak’s standards.

He thanked Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and the Sukma XXI organising for their excellent work.

“Our preparations were thorough, and I saw no major weaknesses during the games. We even a set new benchmark for sports events in Malaysia. This success cements Sarawak’s reputation as an excellent event organiser,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of investing in sports, Ababg Johari said it helps develop young people’s resilience, discipline, and ambition.

During the event, he also launched the ‘Road To Glory Sukma XXI’ coffee table book and presented souvenirs to 25 key committees.

Among those were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat as well as Deputy State Secretary (Operations) and chief executive officer of Sukma XXI Datu Hii Chang Kee.