KUCHING : The Sarawak government will abide by any decision made by the federal and Selangor governments should the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) be postponed.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the matter has yet to be formally decided.
“I have just come across the matter, and it has not been officially finalised. However, the Sultan of Selangor has proposed that the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), scheduled to be held in Selangor this August, be postponed — not cancelled, until the conflict in the Middle East subsides.
“We do not know when the conflict will end. I learned about this through social media and news reports, so it is difficult to comment further as the Selangor state government has yet to make a decision,” he told reporters when met after the launch of Brooke Dockyard Industrial Heritage Museum on Monday (Apr 20).
Earlier, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah proposed that the multi-sport event be deferred until the regional conflict eases and the Shah Alam Stadium renovation is fully completed, citing the high cost of hosting the games.
Abdul Karim said Sarawak has already made extensive preparations despite the uncertainty.
“We have spent considerably to prepare our contingent, with only a few months left before August. Many of our athletes are already in training, including some overseas.
“We have also visited all nine districts in Selangor to identify accommodation such as homestays for Team Sarawak, as the games will not be confined to Shah Alam alone but held across multiple venues,” he said.
He acknowledged that a postponement would be disappointing but emphasised that the final decision lies with the relevant authorities.
“It would be unfortunate if it is postponed, but we leave it to the federal government and the Selangor state government to decide,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that the duration of any postponement remains uncertain at this stage.
“I believe the Selangor government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports will review the proposal and decide whether it will be accepted or the games will proceed,” he said.
