KUALA LUMPUR: The idea of hosting the 2027 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak is a feasible option, according to Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria.
Norza discussed this possibility with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Olympic Day event at the Raintree Plaza of The Exchange TRX on Sunday.
"I met with Abang Johari to discuss hosting the SEA Games, as the OCM are custodians of the Games," said Norza.
He confirmed that Sarawak is committed to sharing half of the projected RM750 million cost.
"I believe the Youth and Sports Ministry will present this to the cabinet. Collaborating with all stakeholders, we will distribute the events between KL and Sarawak. This initiative is moving forward, and we aim to finalize details to begin preparations," said Norza.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said Sarawak is willing to finance half of the amount.
"Why are we willing to co-host? Because this is part of our talent development agenda. Our talent development is not only in the field of economics but also in sports.
"We want our young people to be active, which is why I am eager for Sarawak to be a co-host," he said.
Meanwhile, on Malaysia's flag-bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Norza said it is still under discussion.
"We have yet to finalise the number of athletes for the Olympics. We will choose the most suitable flag-bearer after considering the competition schedules to avoid conflicts," said Norza.
Shooter Johnathan Wong and former athletes Datuk Shalin Zulkifli and Datuk Mumtaz Jaafar were among those who attended the Olympic Day event.
As it stands, 21 Malaysian athletes from eight sports have qualified for the Olympics.
The athletes include Bertrand Rhodict Lises (diving), Ariana Nur Dania Zairi (archery), Syaqiera Mashasyikh (archery), Nurul Azreena Mohd Fazil (archery), Lee Zii Jia (badminton), Goh Jin Wei (badminton), Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (badminton), Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (badminton), Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (badminton), Nur Aisyah Zubir (cycling - road), Azizulhasni Awang (cycling - track), Shah Firdaus Sahrom (cycling - track), Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri (cycling - track), Gavin Kyle Green (golf), Khairulnizam Affendy (sailing), Nur Shazrin Latif (sailing), Johnathan (shooting), and Aniq Kasdan (weightlifting).
