Premier: Sarawak sets aside RM350 mln to co-host SEA Games

KUCHING (Aug 3): The Sarawak government has set aside RM350 million to co-host the Southeast Asia (SEA) Games in 2027, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who had proposed Sarawak as a co-host due to the substantial budget required to organise the sporting event.

Abang Johari said he agreed, noting that turning down the opportunity would be embarrassing, especially as it is the country’s turn to host the regional event.

“I told the Prime Minister that Sarawak would support the event, and for the sake of Malaysia, we would become a co-host.

“We have allocated RM350 million for the SEA Games, and I hope to see Sarawakian athletes compete and gain international recognition, surpassing the level of ‘champion kampung’,” he said.

He was speaking at the handing over ceremony of the Sarawak flag Ibu Pertiwi to the Sarawak Contingent for the Malaysian Games (Sukma) XXI at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here today.

Abang Johari also urged Sarawakian athletes for Sukma to also prepare for the SEA Games, noting that some events will be held in Sarawak, and providing them with an opportunity to compete as SEA Games athletes.

He emphasised Sarawak’s readiness to host major events despite the high costs involved.

“Sarawak is recognised today for its willingness to host events. While other states might hesitate, we step up because we have a government with a ‘you challenge us, we challenge you back’ spirit.

“Despite the high costs, we work hard to fund these initiatives for the benefit of Sarawak,” he said.

In this regard, he encouraged Sarawakian athletes to wholeheartedly embrace their tasks and strive for success, reflecting the unity and strength of Sarawak and Malaysia.

He expressed his hope for Sarawak to excel in sports, not just as a host but as a champion, lifting both the Ibu Pertiwi flag and the Jalur Gemilang with pride.

“Before me are all in red, which means brave. So, we enter the arena with full discipline and courage to face our opponents. Whether it’s in swimming, football, silat, or any other sport, we must fight with determination and sportsmanship.

“Imagine how wonderful it would be to see the Ibu Pertiwi flag rise as a symbol of champion status. This is a proud moment for our state and, moving forward, it will elevate Sarawak as a model of unity, economic planning, and a new era of excellence with our children exceptionally talented,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu who is also Sarawak Sukma chef de mission.