Cambodia mulls pulling out as 2023 SEA Games host

PETALING JAYA: Cambodia is said to be having second thoughts about hosting the SEA Games for the first time in 2023.

The Khmer Times quoted Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen as saying that the government would rather focus on its infrastructure projects rather than hosting the biennial Games.

“The government is trying to save money. I do not want to host the Games,” said Hun Sen.

“If we want to host the Games, we have to spend millions to make venues for the sports and for athletes to stay.

“We’d rather put that money towards building more bridges and roads.”

In August, the Philippines announced it was pulling out from hosting the 2019 Games before making a U-turn on its decision before the Kuala Lumpur Games began on Aug 19.

Meanwhile, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) secretary-general Datuk Low Beng Choo believes that it’s too early to make a conclusion on the 2023 hosting job.

“We’re not sure of the full context regarding Cambodia, so it’s better to wait for further developments,” said Beng Choo.

“In any case, it is still very far away and we have the 2019 and 2021 (Vietnam) Games before we get to 2023.”