By Christopher Lidom and Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Aug 3: “We want anak Sarawak (Sarawakians) to participate in Southeast Asian Games (SEA Game) to uplift their standards as international athletes, not only as ‘jaguh kampung’ (local champion)”, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
During the handing over ceremony of the Sarawak flag to Sarawak’s Malaysia Games (Sukma) Contingent, streamed live via Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) Facebook page today, Abang Johari highlighted Sarawak’s role as a co-host for the SEA Games 2027 in Malaysia.
“If Sarawakian athletes excel in Malaysia Games (Sukma), they might become SEA Games athletes too because some of the SEA Games events will be held in Sarawak,” he said.
He added that successful Sarawakian athletes will represent both the State and the nation.
According to him, such a feat is not impossible as proven by Sarawakian world para-powerlifting champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin in the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
On Aug 2, Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak has expressed interest to co-host the SEA Games with Kuala Lumpur during Malaysia’s turn as host in 2027.
Previously, Abdul Karim also said that Sarawak is pushing for 18 events to be held in the State in addition to hosting the opening ceremony. — DayakDaily
