SUKMA 2024 an investment in athletes and sports development – Premier

KUCHING: The Sarawak government hailed the state’s successful hosting of the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) Sarawak 2024 as a worthwhile investment.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that any expenses incurred in organising the biennial multi-sport event were an investment, particularly in supporting the state’s athletes and in sports development.

“We invested in our young children so that they could learn lessons through sports, including self-confidence and resilience.

“Secondly, we must have targets and work hard to achieve them. Therefore, this investment is crucial in developing our youth. Alhamdulillah, I see that their (Sarawak athletes) performance is encouraging.

“When sports are well-supported, other aspects will also thrive because they have the necessary resources and incentives for success,” he said.

He said this during the 21st SUKMA Sarawak Appreciation Ceremony held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night (Oct 27).

Abang Johari further said the lesson that could be learned from organising the Games was that the state can look at its capabilities.

“Everyone was talking about the opening ceremony of the Games to an extent that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was outside the country and was still able to witness what was happening.

“There were also praises from audiences that it was better than the Paris Olympics. Therefore, we have set a standard there, with digital technology, performances, and culture which reflect a deep sense of unity among us.

“Additionally, we showcased unity between Sarawak and our fellow states, including Sabah and those in Peninsular Malaysia, without any spirit of rivalry. Although sports involve competition, it was done in a good spirit,” he said.

Following the outstanding management of this year’s SUKMA, he said Anwar had invited Sarawak to co-host the 2027 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), and for which the state agreed and would share the cost 50-50 with the federal government.

“The Prime Minister is also willing for the opening ceremony to be held here, therefore Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister) discussed with Hannah Yeoh (Federal Youth and Sports Minister), and it has been agreed in principle that the opening ceremony of the 2027 SEA Games would be held in the Land of the Hornbills,” he said.

He added that this is another investment that will have a positive spillover effect across the state, as the SEA Games involve participation from numerous countries.

“In terms of sports, if we can showcase our abilities, it means that there is a confidence level in the nation and for the SEA Games, they will have confidence in us.

“So, let us lead together… Let us lead Sarawak, so others know where it is and what the people of Sarawak are capable of. Given the job, we will do it professionally and successfully. That is our motto,” he said.

Abang Johari also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to everyone involved in making this year’s SUKMA a success, crediting the achievement to the teamwork of all involved.