KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The RM240 million allocated under Budget 2027 to host next year's SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games shows the government's commitment to the sports sector and its role in boosting unity among the people.
Datuk Abdul Rashid Yaakub, chief executive officer of the Malaysia SEA Games Organising Committee (MASOC) and ASEAN Para Games 2027 Secretariat, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement aligned with the Games’ theme: 'Raikan Perpaduan’ (Celebrating Unity).
"When tabling the Budget today, the Prime Minister did mention the spirit of unity among the people with the hosting of the 2027 SEA Games. So, it is definitely in line with our theme of 'Celebrating Unity’.
"I truly welcome and am grateful for the funds set aside under Budget 2027,” he told Bernama today.
He said the government's commitment to hosting the large-scale multi-sport Games was a positive development for the country's sports industry and a boost for the sports community to continue improving their achievements.
He said this would also push all parties to play their roles in enhancing Malaysia's image and reputation through sports, whether through athletes’ performance or organising world-class events.
The Prime Minister, when tabling Budget 2027 themed "Reaching for the Skies, While Anchored on Our Values" in the Dewan Rakyat today, said the RM240 million allocation was to prepare for hosting next year's SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games, while stressing that the biennial Games needed to be leveraged to elevate the nation’s stature and foster a spirit of unity among the people.
The 2027 SEA Games will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Johor and Penang from Sept 18-29, while the 2027 ASEAN Para Games will be in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 17-23.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rashid was touched by the Prime Minister’s Budget 2027 speech, which began by recognising the importance of sports.
"So, for me, this is a very proud moment for the sports community, who should strive harder to elevate the country's image and reputation through the Games,” he said.
Anwar expressed his appreciation to the entire team that made it possible to host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia in an orderly and successful manner from Oct 2-4.
The Prime Minister also described the Malaysian contingent's success at the 20th Asian Games in Japan as an outstanding feat, with medallists from diverse ethnic backgrounds, thus demonstrating that the country performs best when it draws strength from every community.
Malaysia returned from the Sept 19-Oct 4 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with nine golds, seven silvers and 16 bronzes.
-- BERNAMA