Sabah reconsiders co-hosting SEA Games, after being blindsided

THE Sabah government is re-evaluating the possibility of co-hosting the 2027 SEA Games after being caught off-guard by the proposal.

Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin stated that the state is now "reviewing" and "reconsidering" its role in co-hosting the international sporting event.

“This decision was made unanimously by the state cabinet, chaired by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, following a thorough review and assessment of various aspects of the matter,” Ellron said in a statement issued in Kota Kinabalu.

Ellron’s remarks come after Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun revealed that the state government was unaware of any plans to co-host the SEA Games in 2027, nor of any commitment to contribute RM100 million towards the event’s organisation.

His comments also follow Sabah Umno’s request for clarification on why such financial commitments were made while the state still faces issues with basic amenities and lacks international-standard sporting facilities.

Ellron emphasised that the proposal still requires the approval of the state cabinet.

His ministry plans to seek further information from the federal ministry to present a detailed proposal for the Sabah cabinet’s deliberation.

“I will meet with the minister (Hannah Yeoh) to hold further discussions and seek clarification on the matter,” he added.

Last week, federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh announced that Sabah had agreed to co-host the SEA Games and contribute RM100 million.

Ellron also mentioned that the Sabah government welcomes the federal government’s initiative to host the event and will provide full support for its organisation. – September 5, 2024.