PARIS, Sept 6 — Preparations for hosting the 2027 South East Asian (SEA) Games remain on track despite Sabah’s reconsideration of its role as a co-host for the biennial event.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the National Sports Council (NSC) is continuing its preparations for the event, bolstered by strong commitments from Sarawak and Penang to co-host.
Yeoh said she had responded to the recent decision made by Sabah’s Cabinet and respected its choice.
“We respect Sabah’s decision. The NSC will proceed with preparations for the 2027 SEA Games as we have received approval from the Federal Cabinet,” she told reporters here after witnessing the 2024 Paralympics men’s 50m freestyle S5 (physical impairment) final at the Paris La Defense Arena yesterday.
Last week, Yeoh announced that three states — Sarawak, Sabah, and Penang — had agreed to co-host the 2027 SEA Games alongside Kuala Lumpur, with an estimated budget of RM700 million.
However, media reports yesterday quoted Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun as saying that the state government had not made any financial commitments regarding the 2027 SEA Games and was reconsidering its role as a co-host.
Meanwhile, Yeoh said she remained optimistic that if national powerlifting champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin performs at his best tomorrow, Malaysia can secure its second gold medal at the Paralympic Games.
National para badminton star Cheah Liek Hou secured Malaysia’s first gold at the Games by defeating Suryo Nugroho 21-13, 21-15 in the men’s singles SU5 (physical impairment) final at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena on Monday.
Malaysia has also claimed a silver medal through Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli in the men’s F20 shot put event and a bronze through Eddy Bernard in the men’s 100m sprint T44 (physical impairment).
— Bernama
