Malaysia: No to ‘costly’ Games

PETALING JAYA: A £100mil (RM603mil) subsidy will not be enough for Malaysia to host the multi-billion ringgit Commonwealth Games 2026 – and as such the government has declined the offer.

The decision was made after taking into account all implications of Malaysia hosting the Games, said the Youth and Sports Ministry Corporate Communications Unit yesterday.

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“The delegation from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) met Minister Hannah Yeoh and gave an explanation on the offer to play host.

“The Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan also attended the meeting on Feb 5.

“The details of the meeting were presented at the Cabinet meeting yesterday and highlighted the offer of £100mil would not suffice in hosting the Games on a big scale.

“Besides, the economic impact of this cannot be determined at this time.

“The government thanks the CGF for its offer to host the Commonwealth Games 2026. However, currently, the government would like to focus on sports development and the welfare and well-being of the rakyat,” the statement said.

On Thursday, Yeoh had said that the people’s interests would always come first.

“We are committed to not wasting taxpayers’ money,” said Yeoh.

The offer to Malaysia was made after Australia withdrew last year due to the increase in organising costs from A$2.6bil (RM8.09bil) to A$7bil (RM21.78bil).