Sarawak Prepared To Hold 2027 Sea Games Opening Ceremony In Kuching -- Abdul Karim

KUCHING, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- With Sarawak now confirmed as the co-hosts of the 2027 SEA Games, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg wants the opening ceremony to be held here in the state capital. 

Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposal has been presented to the Federal cabinet for a decision.

“ And if it is a yes, then it will represent a shift from the norm, where the SEA Games are typically centred in Kuala Lumpur. On our side, we (Sarawak) can confirm that Kuching has been earmarked to host the opening ceremony, as emphasised by the Premier. 

“However, the closing ceremony remains flexible and could be held in Kuala Lumpur or another location deemed suitable by the Ministry of Youth and Sports,” he told reporters here today.

Abdul Karim, who is also State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said holding the SEA Games in various cities across Malaysia will bring about economic benefits by boosting tourism and the local economy in particular. 

“The recent 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), which were spread across nine locations, had a positive economic impact in all of the divisions involved. 

“A proposal has been sent to the Cabinet for further discussions, which include distribution of events, with a total of 36 events said to be proposed for the Games. Of that, we have proposed for 18 to be held in Kuching,” he said. 

On Saturday night, during the closing ceremony of SUKMA 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed that Sarawak should be entrusted as a co-host for the 2027 SEA Games, following the state's successful hosting of the national biennial Games. 

-- BERNAMA