OCM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria
OCM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria

While keen on the idea, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) have stressed that it is still too early to say whether Malaysia will actually step in as replacement hosts for the 2027 Sea Games.

OCM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria said although the chances of Malaysia being given the 2027 hosting job by the Sea Games Federation (SEAGF) are bright, many factors need to be considered first.

"There is a view (a possible bid) about the 2030 Commonwealth or 2038 Asian Games which are both still very far away," said Norza.

"Our plans have to take these factors into consideration but for now we should look at the low hanging fruits first.

"(Hosting games) is important to ensure that our sports and our athletes remain active and prepared for competition. It also ensures that our facilities are utilised.

"This is why we are looking at the 2027 Sea Games following Brunei's withdrawal as hosts.

"If we rely on our existing facilities, the costs may not be too high.

"But as I have said, it also depends on the financial capability of the government, so at the moment we do not want to talk about it so much because we still have five years.

"And we also have to see what direction the Covid-19 pandemic takes."

The OCM executive board, on Tuesday, had agreed to send an expression of interest letter to SEAGF regarding the hosting of the 2027 Sea Games.

OCM disclosed that SEAGF had earlier approached them to enquire the possibility of Malaysia taking over the 2027 job following Brunei's withdrawal.

The financial aspect of hosting the games will be a major factor as RM450 million was allocated by the government to stage the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games.

A number of experienced sports administrators, however, believe that the competition can be hosted for substantially less by cutting out the frills and fanfare often associated with such games while Malaysia already has the infrastructure required.

With the recent budget cuts by the government across Malaysian sports a major talking point over the past few weeks, many may not be enthusiastic about Malaysia hosting major sports events for now.

OCM have been vocal about the funding cuts and had urged the government to reconsider slashing the allocations.

The umbrella body for Malaysian sports have also called for the reintroduction of the Rakan Sukan corporate sponsorship programme.

Norza urged companies who have made great profits during the pandemic to come forward and do their "national service".

"When talking about Rakan Sukan, maybe the government can give incentives to companies who made big profits during the pandemic period to help sports," said Norza.

"BP Healthcare, for example, has come onboard as a sponsor of the BA of Malaysia. If possible, we want more companies such as this to help sports.

"It is not for me to say (whether they are forced to do so by the government) but my opinion is that it should be a win-win situation for all involved.

"There is also an element of national service. We (office bearers) at OCM also don't get paid but we still do the job for our country."

BP Healthcare signed a one-year RM5 million sponsorship with BAM in May last year.