KUCHING: Sarawak is keen to hold the opening ceremony of the 2027 SEA Games when it co-hosts the regional sporting showcase in three years, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister said this had been requested by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
"To us, this is very important. The closing ceremony can be in Kuala Lumpur or another venue decided by the Youth and Sports Ministry, but the opening ceremony must be in Kuching.
"Since the Prime Minister has agreed for Sarawak to be the co-host, we can safely say the opening ceremony will be in Kuching, even though the dates have not been decided," he told reporters at his office here on Monday (Aug 26).
Last Saturday (Aug 24), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Sarawak was ready to play a part in the 2027 SEA Games based on its successful hosting of the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
"Given Sarawak’s proven ability to host major sporting events, on behalf of the Malaysian government, I agree that Sarawak will co-host the 2027 SEA Games," the Prime Minister said at the Sukma closing ceremony.
Abdul Karim said discussions were ongoing with the federal Youth and Sports Ministry on co-hosting the SEA Games.
He said his ministry had also been asked to choose which sports would be held in Sarawak.
"There are going to be 36 sports, 18 will be in Sarawak but that is not final yet.
"We have to pinpoint the sports we want based on the facilities that we have," he said.
Abdul Karim also said this would be the first time Malaysia hosted the SEA Games outside Kuala Lumpur.
He noted that other Southeast Asian countries had hosted the Games outside the nation's capital, such as Palembang, Indonesia, in 2011, while the 2025 edition will be hosted by Chiang Mai in Thailand.
"It's good that it's spread out because of the economic spin-off on the ground.
"It also gives the opportunity for more spectators to watch the events," he said.
