Sarawak’s recent success in organising the 21st edition of Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA XXI) has proven beyond doubt that it is now ready to co-host the biggest sporting event in the region – the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games to be held in 2027 (SEA Games 2027) in Malaysia. 

With the confirmation from the Federal government that Sarawak has been picked as a co-host together with Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Penang, Sarawak is poised to take its role to a new level altogether. This recognition for Sarawak is a welcome news for all sports-loving Sarawakians and music to the ears for the patriotic Sarawakians.

With this dawn of new opportunity to co-organise the region’s biggest sporting events, comes new challenges. As such, this is where Sarawak sporting machinery will have to kickstart its preparations for the big day, which is just three years away.

As proven in the last SUKMA XXI, Sarawak has top-notch facilities to host major events such diving, swimming, football and athletics. On top of that, we also have excellent accommodation as there are plenty of high-end hotels in Kuching, as well as in major towns and cities such as Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

Co-hosting the SEA Games 2027 will also provide the opportunity for Sarawak to showcase its rich ethnic biodiversity as it is home to at least 27 ethnic groups. This rich tapestry of culture and tradition will be a plus factor for the visitors, comprising athletes, sports officials and their supporters. What better way to showcase our rich cultural heritage than throughout the whole duration of the Games which normally run for 10 days?

Getting the greenlight to co-host such major sports event is by itself a major milestone for Sarawak. But that’s just half the battle that has been won. Getting the job done, and done well, will be another major challenge for the team who will be picked to spearhead and to manage the Games.

But if the success of SUKMA XXI was considered as a yardstick to measure our success, then there was nothing to worry about, as we have shown our capabilities in handling some 12,000 athletes and sports officials from all states in Malaysia, as well as from Brunei Darussalam. 

The leadership of Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and his capable team, spearheaded by SUKMA XXI Chief Executive Officer, Datu Hii Chang Kee, have proven themselves capable of shouldering such heavy responsibility. 

Both men seemingly have a great chemistry as proven by the fact that they were the force behind the success of the Rainforest World Music Festival for many years while Datu Hii was the Permanent Secretary of Dato Sri Abdul Karim’s ministry before his eventual elevation as the Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Operation). So, kudos to both men!

On the athletes' side, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu should be accorded the same accolade as he had also proven himself to be a competent chef-de-mission for the Sarawak contingent. He has proven that he embodied Sarawak’s motto of ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’ when the Sarawak contingentmanaged to snatch its last gold at the most crucial time, and thereafter being crowned overall champions by defeating its closest rival, Wilayah Persekutuan, with 76 gold, 55 silver and 70 bronze.  

But in the meantime, Sarawak will have to prove that it is efficient in organising the upcoming Para SUKMA XXI set to be held in Kuching from September 22-28, involving 10 sports and 334 events. 

Additionally, Sarawakians must continue to give their undivided support to Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, who has been entrusted to ensure the overall success of the Games and to bring more glory to Sarawak. This is where the support of all Sarawakians is crucial to boost the morale of our athletes and officials for the success of the Games. 

Soon after Para SUKMA XXI ends, Sarawak will have a breathing space to recoup and refresh after the hectic schedule of hosting both SUKMA XXI and Para SUKMA XXI in order to move forward and get itself well-prepared for the D-day in 2027.