KUCHING, March 22: Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) Sarawak hopes the Sarawak government can set up a special non-partisan committee so that all parties can contribute ideas and energy in ensuring the smooth planning and running of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) to be hosted by Sarawak in 2024.
Its chairman Jeffery Ngui proposed that the committee should involve representatives from Malaysia National Sports Council (NSC), Sarawak State Youth and Sports Department, sports clubs, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as parties from the Opposition bloc.
“Sukma 2024 should also prioritise local companies and suppliers in the preparation in terms of infrastructure, facilities and programmes so that the local economy will also reap the benefit and not left behind,” he said in a statement today.
Commenting on the recent allegation by certain irresponsible parties over the hosting of Sukma 2024, Ngui said Muda Sarawak feels regretful of the deliberate action by certain quarters to create provocation between Kelantan, NSC, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and Sarawak as the host.
“Sukma should be used as a platform of unity among Malaysians regardless of skin colour and parties, while prioritising the spirit and values of Malaysia Madani.
“The decision has been made together by the Sukma Supreme Council, Kelantan Youth and Sports Committee and also the Kelantan NGO,” he added.
This came following PAS Kelantan Youth chief Mohamad Kamal Mohamed’s statement accusing Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh of abusing her power to deny Kelantan from hosting Sukma in 2024 by giving the role to Sarawak.
The accusation has also prompted Yeoh to lodge a police report on March 17.
Describing the allegations as slanderous, Yeoh said the Kelantan State Youth, Sports and NGO representative Wan Roslan Wan Hamat had agreed that Kelantan would organise the 2028 edition, and it would provide additional time for the state to make preparations and construct sports facilities in Kelantan.
The decision to award Kelantan the 2028 Sukma was a result of discussions between NSC and Wan Roslan that was approved by the Sukma Supreme Council at a meeting on March 16. — DayakDaily
