KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should study over the prospect of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games thoroughly before accepting the Commonwealth Games Federation's (CGF) offer, said former youth and sports minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
He said the country would only have two years to make preparations in replacing the Australian state of Victoria that pulled out abruptly in July last year.
"CGF sees Malaysia as a qualified host as the country did in 1998.
"However, this time, it (the opportunity) came ad hoc when Victoria decided to pull out," Sinar Harian reported today.
He said it was not the suitable time for Malaysia to host the Games, as the government did not have sufficient time to prepare the venues, volunteers and security, as well as engaging other agencies.
Generally, he said, the announcement for the host was made early, within two cycles of the Olympics games, which is eight years.
"This is to allow the host to prepare the facilities and carry out development programmes for its athletes," he said.
Another former youth and sports minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, rubbished the idea and called it "reckless", saying that any host would need at least four years to upgrade venues, plan sponsorship and set up infrastructure.
However, several experts have voiced their support for it, citing Malaysia's experience of hosting the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
