KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry will prioritise the interest of the people, including not squandering taxpayers' money should Malaysia decide to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Its minister Hannah Yeoh said the ministry will also ensure a 'conservative' approach is taken as plans to host the games will involve public funds.
"So far, we do not know the federal government's stance on this and this is only the ministry's views.
"(And) if the government agrees for Malaysia to host the games, the ministry proposes that the expenditure will not exceed the grant provided by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
"However, taking into consideration the taxpayers' money if need to be used, the best option that the government may take is to not organise it," she said, adding any decision on the matter will be decided by the cabinet in a meeting tomorrow.
Yeoh said this during the minister's question time in Dewan Rakyat, today.
She said this in response to Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Star) who asked the ministry to state the government's stance on Malaysia's bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Victoria, Australia, withdrew from hosting last year due to the increase in organising costs.
Yeoh said the ministry is also ready to appoint a regulatory body to conduct an audit of the organising account if Malaysia decides to host the game.
She added the decision was among the feedback provided by related stakeholders, including Olympians.
"Most importantly, the ministry wants to ensure good governance and transparency of financial management where all costs and expenses are recorded systematically.
"The ministry prefers not to preempt any discussion regarding this matter before the cabinet meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
"I believe the decision to be made by the cabinet will prioritise the interests of the country without neglecting the people in line with the government's main Madani agenda."
The fate of the 2026 Commonwealth Games is now in limbo after Victoria, Australia, pulled out from hosting it last year due to increased hosting costs from the initial A$2.6 billion (about RM8.09 billion) to A$7 billion (approximately RM21.78 billion).
Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision on whether Malaysia will take on the role of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games could be finalised this week.
Yeoh, meanwhile said her ministry is preparing a cabinet paper on the issue.
