SHAH ALAM: Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has proposed a postponement of the Malaysia Games (Sukma), scheduled to be held in Selangor in August.
“Given the current economic situation, it would be more appropriate to postpone the event until the Middle East crisis is resolved and until the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed,” said the Selangor Ruler.
The stadium is scheduled for completion next year.
Sultan Sharafuddin pointed out that a large amount of funds was needed to host the event.
In his royal address at the opening of the first meeting of the fourth session of the 15th Selangor Legislative Assembly yesterday, the Ruler said: “I am also directing that the Sultan of Selangor Cup for 2026, the annual football match between Selangor and Singapore, be cancelled.”
However, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed his wish for a Silver Jubilee Cup inter-district football tournament to be organised in Selangor for students under the age of 15 as an initiative to nurture young talent and cultivate grassroots sporting spirit.
“Furthermore, football is the most popular sport among the people of Selangor,” said His Royal Highness.
Sultan Sharafuddin also instructed the Selangor government to prepare itself to meet the challenges that may come with the current geopolitical climate.
The Ruler said industries such as manufacturing, construction and logistics as well as essential goods such as food supplies, would all be affected.
“The tourism industry will be impacted, especially when airfares rise,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.
To face the uncertainties, the Ruler said it was crucial for a consensus between leaders and the people that these challenges be effectively dealt with based on unity and mutual understanding, despite differences in race, religion, and culture.
“Community leaders and politicians must contribute towards efforts to help the people and must not take advantage of the crisis in ways that could disrupt public unity,” said Sultan Sharafuddin, adding that he wanted Selangor to remain resilient.
