KUCHING: Brunei has thrown its full support behind Sarawak’s initiative to revive the historic Borneo Games, with its Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datuk Seri Setia Awang Nazmi Awang Mohamad, hailing it as a powerful platform to unite youth across the island through sports diplomacy.
Awang Nazmi expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Sarawak government and acknowledged the visionary leadership of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“We would like to express our full support for the initiative by the Premier and the Sarawak government on their commitment to revive the Borneo Games.
“We believe investing through sports will bring tremendous returns for our younger generations across all regions in Borneo,” he told reporters at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex on Monday (Apr 14).
He added that the potential is immense — as it not only to strengthen bonds of friendship but also opens up new avenues of collaboration among youths from Brunei, Sarawak, Sabah, and other Bornean territories.
Awang Nazmi described the initiative as a starting line for deeper regional cooperation, which he pointed out that sports diplomacy could serve as a meaningful tool to foster goodwill and unity while building a stronger sense of regional identity among Borneo’s diverse communities.
When asked about Sarawak’s offer to host the first edition of the revived games, he confirmed that Brunei supports the idea in principle.
“We fully support this initiative, and of course, further details will be discussed among the participating regions,” he said.
He also conveyed gratitude to Abdul Karim for his leadership in spearheading this regional movement, describing it as an important milestone for youth empowerment and regional unity.
