KUCHING: Sarawak’s athletes may travel to Selangor aboard AirBorneo, but Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg wants them to return with something even more important – another SUKMA title.
Urging the contingent to defend the overall crown they won in 2024, Abang Johari said Sarawak must carry a champion’s mentality into the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), proving they can succeed away from home.
“Last time, we were crowned champion in 2024. This time, we must defend our position as champion,” he said when officiating the Sarawak flag handover ceremony for the state contingent at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here today (Aug 10).
He said the sight of Sarawak’s flag flying alongside the state’s own AirBorneo aircraft should inspire the contingent as they head to Selangor.
“With our own aircraft flying in the sky, our flag will also be flying high,” he said.
Congratulating the athletes for their commitment and preparation, Abang Johari urged them to compete with confidence and a winning mindset.
“When we compete, there must be a winner and there must be a loser. But Sarawak must win in all events,” he said.
He stressed that sporting success was not only about bringing glory to Sarawak but also about raising the state’s overall standard in sports.
Abang Johari said the state would continue investing in sports infrastructure, including the construction of a velodrome, after approving the project.
He also called on Sarawak to set its ambitions beyond the national stage, pointing to New Zealand as an example of how a relatively small population could consistently produce world-class athletes and Olympic champions.
“If New Zealand can do it, why can’t Sarawak?” he said.
Recalling Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s earlier remark that Sarawak had benefited from competing on home soil at the last Games, Abang Johari said the contingent now had the opportunity to prove otherwise.
“Anak Sarawak jangan dicabar (Sarawakians must not be challenged). When we come to Selangor, wherever we are placed, the mindset must be: ‘I come here to win, not to lose’,” he said.
He reminded athletes to stay healthy, remain focused on their respective events and avoid distractions throughout the Games.
“Forget about other things and concentrate on your events. Prepare well and come back once again as champions,” he said.
Abang Johari also urged the contingent not to be driven solely by incentives but by pride in representing Sarawak.
“What’s important is that we must win. The important thing is: ‘Agi Idup, Agi Ngelaban!'” he said, expressing confidence that Sarawak could successfully defend its overall title at SUKMA Selangor 2026
