KUCHING: Sarawak must always be ready and prepared to excel in any competition, with a clear vision of becoming the powerhouse of sports in Malaysia, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister noted the challenges ahead in 2025 and 2026 but stressed the need for continued progress and preparation.
“As everyone knows, we will be organising the Borneo Games this year.
“Looking ahead to next year, the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) will take place in Selangor. These will be the true test of whether we can establish ourselves as a sporting powerhouse,” he said.
He said this during the Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Menggamit Jiwa Night at a hotel here, last night (Feb 21).
He recalled Sarawak’s historic victory last year when it became the overall champion of SUKMA after 30 years.
“Next year’s competition, however, will be held in a state that has won SUKMA the most times, and this requires even greater preparation and commitment.
“While we have spread our training across nine divisions, Selangor has distributed theirs across all districts, showing their commitment to innovation and competitiveness. However, we must not be disheartened
“If we prepare well, if our teams are well-equipped, I have no doubt that we will succeed, no matter where our athletes compete. That is the spirit we must cultivate,” he said.
He also touched on Malaysia’s role as a co-sponsor of the SEA Games last year and emphasised the need to start preparing for the 2027 SEA Games.
“On February 26, I will be in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the framework and necessary steps with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for the upcoming SEA Games,” he said, adding that the state is prepared to take on international events and strengthen its presence on the global sports stage.
Meanwhile, during the event, Abdul Karim also presented the Excellence Service Awards (APC) to 25 MYSED officers and appreciation certificates to 12 retiring officers and four officers who are being transferred.
