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(From second left) Rentap, Abdul Karim, Mordi, Chong, and Abdul Rashid are seen at the press conference. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Feb 13): Sarawak’s commitment to co-organising the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games goes beyond merely “air liur” (empty promises), said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development revealed that Sarawak had executed a deed of guarantee committing the state to half of the RM700 million organisational cost for the games, with the remaining RM350 million to be borne by the federal government.
“They (federal government) don’t want us to just commit ‘pakai air liur saja’ (empty promises). They come up with a deed, like a deed of guarantee. It was passed over to my ministry.
“I dared not sign the thing to commit the state government, so I brought the letter to the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg),” he told a press conference after receiving a courtesy call from Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Mordi Bimol here today.
According to him, Abang Johari then instructed him to proceed with the signing, effectively sealing Sarawak’s financial responsibility.
“So, I signed to commit the state to the RM350 million, just in case we back out. But of course, we won’t back out,” he said, adding that the letter was later presented to the federal Cabinet.
Abdul Karim explained that the RM350 million covers only organisational aspects and does not include infrastructure costs, which will be fully funded by the state.
He noted that the overall budget was increased from RM650 million spent during Malaysia’s last hosting of the SEA Games in 2017 to RM700 million this time, citing rising costs over the years.
The federal portion, he added, would be distributed among other participating host states such as Penang and Johor.
On preparations, Abdul Karim said contractors have been instructed to complete venue upgrades at least three months before the games to allow for testing and athlete familiarisation.
“We want the digital LED, the facilities, everything to run well,” he said.
Sarawak is scheduled to host 17 sports, while Kuala Lumpur will host 14.
Abdul Karim added that several international-level competitions continue to be organised annually in the state, including tenpin bowling, tennis, squash, cricket, and taekwondo, providing ongoing exposure to venue operations.
Meanwhile, Mordi pledged the Ministry of Youth and Sports would extend full cooperation from the federal level.
“We give full trust to Dato Sri Abdul Karim as the head of the organising. We will assist whatever we can,” he said.
Malaysia SEA Games Organising Committee (MASOC) 2027 chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Rashid Yaakub, who was also present, said selected test events would be held to assess facilities and operations, although the final sports list has yet to be determined as refurbishment works continue.
Abdul Karim reiterated that Sarawak’s approach reflects firm commitment rather than mere promises.
“We are very serious. We want to ensure that this SEA Games will be the best SEA Games ever held in Malaysia,” he added.
Among those present were Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen.
English (US) ·