KUCHING: Sarawak is willing to share co-hosting duties with other states for the 2027 SEA Games, says state Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said Penang and Sabah had expressed their interest in hosting a few sports in the biennial Games.
"The Sabah Youth and Sports Minister came over with a delegation requesting if possible, they (will) host a few of the sports. I was made to understand Penang wants to host just one sport.
"I'm open to it. If the other states are able to co-host the Games, why not? It's not for Sarawak to monopolise," he told reporters at his office here on Monday (Sept 2).
Abdul Karim said Sarawak had been asked to choose half of the 36 sports in the 2027 SEA Games to be held in the state, but this was subject to other states' involvement as co-hosts.
He said the final decision should be made collectively with the federal Youth and Sports Ministry and the respective states, taking into consideration the sports facilities available.
"I would say swimming, diving and tenpin bowling should be in Sarawak because we have the best facilities for these sports. For example, we have a 42-lane facility for ten-pin bowling.
"Our shooting range is also the top in Malaysia after a RM4mil upgrading for the Malaysia Games (Sukma)," he said.
Last Wednesday (Aug 28), the Youth and Sports Ministry announced that Malaysia had agreed to accept the SEA Games Federation's offer to host the 2027 Games.
In a statement, the ministry said the Cabinet approved the decision after taking into account the commitment pledged by Sarawak, Sabah and Penang to co-host the Games with Kuala Lumpur.
