KUCHING: Sarawak’s preparations as a co-host of SEA Games 2027 must focus not only on venues, logistics and event management, but also on governance, transparency and safeguards against integrity risks.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said hosting the Games provides Sarawak with an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to manage large-scale sporting events and strengthen governance standards in the sports sector.

“The success of a sporting event is not measured solely by how efficiently it is organised. It is also judged by the fair conduct of competitions, proper treatment of participants, responsible management of resources and public confidence in the systems underpinning the event.

“In this context, the SEA Games 2027 not only gives us an opportunity to host a major sporting event, but also provides a platform to demonstrate the standards of governance and integrity that should form the foundation for the future of sports in Sarawak,” he said.

He said this in his text of speech read by Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the Opening Ceremony of the Sarawak National Sports Integrity Conference (SNSIC) at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here, on Monday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said the facilities, expertise, coaches and systems developed in conjunction with SEA Games 2027 should continue to benefit the development of the sports sector even after the conclusion of the Games.

According to him, sports development also plays a role in nurturing youths who are disciplined, resilient and confident, in addition to strengthening ties among the community.

He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between sports organisations, government agencies, law enforcement agencies, the private sector and international partners to strengthen the integrity of sports and jointly handle related challenges.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya and Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Nur Nabilla
Photo: Muhd Zulfadli
Translator: Nerissa Sia