KUCHING: Preparations for the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games approved by the Federal Cabinet and involving Sarawak, Penang, Johor and Kuala Lumpur should proceed smoothly without disruption.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister (MYSED), Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, expressed hope that the new Youth and Sports Minister would continue all existing plans and initiatives.
“I hope that the new federal leadership will prioritise youth and sports development, strengthen tourism and continue 2027 SEA Games preparations without disruption.
“We welcome the new Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, and I will be paying a courtesy call on him in due course,” he said.
He told reporters this after officiating at Sarawak Business Events Forum 2025 representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a hotel here today.
Commenting on the change at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Abdul Karim said he had enjoyed a close and effective working relationship with outgoing former minister, Hannah Yeoh, particularly during the organisation of the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) and discussions related to marine sports.
“At the same time, we are currently making preparations for the 2027 SEA Games, of which we are among the founding proponents.
“Throughout this entire process, Yeoh played a very important and instrumental role in supporting us,” he said.
Earlier, the Cabinet reshuffle announced on Tuesday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, involved the appointment of new deputy ministers, including two from Sarawak.
He added that Mas Gading Member of Parliament (MP), Mordi Bimol, was appointed Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, replacing Adam Adli Abdul Halim, while Miri MP, Chiew Choon Man, was named Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture.
“At the Sarawak level, both ministries come under my supervision. I would like to extend my congratulations and commendations to both of them and we hope that good cooperation can be established,” he said.
As first-time Cabinet appointees, he said the new deputy ministers would need time to familiarise themselves with the structure and functions of their respective ministries, adding that their responsibilities would extend beyond Sarawak to include West Malaysia.
“For Sarawak, my hope is that priority will be given to youth and sports development, including the development of football among young people, as well as the continued strengthening of the tourism sector,” he added.
