Kota Kinabalu: Gee Tien Siong Vice President of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), said as several Malayan states and Sarawak have confirmed co-hosting the 34th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2027, the Sabah government should bid for specific events to ensure Sabah maintains a presence in major international competitions.
Gee emphasised that 23 years have passed since Sabah last hosted the major national multisport event, which was the 9th Malaysia Games (SUKMA IX) in 2002. Sabah is tentatively scheduled to host SUKMA again in 2032.
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He noted that since Malaya and Sarawak are participating actively, the Likas Sports Complex should be utilised. The complex houses various venues capable of hosting SEA Games-level events, and he urged the government not to forfeit its potential hosting rights.
While Malaysia has hosted the SEA Games six times (1965, 1971, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2017), past events focused heavily on Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas. Sabah has never had the opportunity to host any events in previous years.
Gee suggested the government lobby to relocate certain sports to Sabah.
This move would help secure federal funding to upgrade facilities and modernise the local sports industry.
“Hosting international events, such as SEA Games directly stimulates Sabah’s tourism, boosts economic revenue, and enhances our international visibility,” Gee said.
He urged the government to adopt a proactive approach and engage with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to prevent Sabah from being sidelined.
