Miri ready to host SEA Games events, says Deputy Premier

MIRI (Aug 21): The good sports facilities available in Miri means the city is ready to host international tournaments including SEA Games events, says Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Speaking to reporters at the Sukma Media Centre after catching the pencak silat event at the indoor stadium here today, the Deputy Premier said through Sukma XXI, Miri has proven itself capable of hosting bigger sports events.

“Sarawak has been requested by the federal government to co-host the SEA Games, and of course we can hold some of the events in Miri. That is what we hope for,” he said.

“In Miri, I found that we have good sports facilities. The equipment is quite complete, not only in this indoor stadium but also in other (Sukma) venues.”

On a related matter, Awang Tengah said the Sarawak government will continue efforts to unearth new sports talents and develop them into becoming state and national champions.

“Sukma is one of the best platforms for us to look for talents. We will train those with talent so that they can compete on the international stage and make the country proud,” he said.

The deputy premier also expressed his appreciation to members of the press here for their extensive Sukma coverage, saying it allowed people from inside and outside Sarawak to get the latest updates and results.

With him at the media centre were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, and Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus.