SUKMA 2026: Selangor Assures No Elements Of Non-Conventional Lifestyles

SHAH ALAM, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- The Selangor government has assured that there will be no elements of promotion or normalisation of non-conventional lifestyles, including those associated with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, during the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) hosted by the state next year.

 State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Najwan Halimi said this decision was made to prevent any form of normalisation of such cultures within the various events planned for the biennial sporting event.

“We are aware of recent issues, including a music event involving men dressing as women, an incident we deeply regret.

“We see this as an attempt to normalise unhealthy and non-conventional lifestyles. For SUKMA Selangor 2026, we have decided and assured that there will be no promotion or normalisation of LGBT culture,” he said at the state legislative assembly sitting here today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Abbas Salimmi Che Adzmi@Azmi (PH-Seri Serdang) regarding measures taken by the Selangor Sports Council to ensure SUKMA 2026 remains free from such influences.

Mohd Najwan said multiple agencies would collaborate to prevent any elements related to LGBT culture from taking root during the event.

On Feb 17, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) said it would take immediate action regarding a viral incident where several Muslim men were seen dressed as women in an entertainment programme the previous day.

JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the incident had caused public unease and touched on religious and cultural sensitivities.

Meanwhile, Mohd Najwan said the estimated total budget for SUKMA 2026 stands at RM250 million, covering areas such as secretariat management, athlete preparations, technical equipment, competition venues, accommodation, meals, ICT systems and media promotions.

One of the key challenges for Selangor as the host is the lack of a main venue, as the Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA) is only expected to complete its first phase by mid-2027.

"Furthermore, the preparation period is very short, less than two years, compared to previous host states which had a longer preparation time of between four to six years before becoming the host.

“In addition, we have a very short preparation period, less than two years, compared to previous host states, which had between four and six years to prepare.

“To overcome this, existing venues have been identified and will be upgraded to meet the required standards, ensuring a successful SUKMA,” he said in response to a question from Michelle Ng Mei Sze (PH-Subang Jaya) regarding the challenges of hosting SUKMA 2026.

On July 18, 2024, the Malaysia Games Supreme Committee confirmed Selangor as the host for SUKMA 2026, replacing the National Sports Council (MSN), which was initially set to organise the event under the alternating host system.

-- BERNAMA