KUCHING: The success of Sarawak in organising the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXI 2024 is considered a new standard for national sports events.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed with this sentiment, noting that Sarawak’s high standards in organising SUKMA XXI set a tough challenge for other states.

“The Prime Minister acknowledged that it is challenging for other states to reach Sarawak’s standard in SUKMA this year.

“So, let’s use this as a benchmark, and others might need to work even harder to meet or exceed this level.”

He made these remarks during the SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024 Appreciation Night at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also highlighted Sarawak’s success, not only in winning the overall champion title but also in showing progress in organising, careful preparations, and smooth execution.

“Our preparations were very thorough, and throughout the event, I did not see any major weaknesses,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Dato’ Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and the entire committee involved in making this SUKMA a success.

He emphasised that the government’s investment in sports is a key strategy to build young people’s confidence, resilience, and drive to achieve their goals.

“This investment is critical in guiding the younger generation, as sports teach both resilience and the need for hard work to reach goals,” he explained further.

He went on to say that organising SUKMA in Sarawak represents unity and harmony, with a passionate sense of togetherness displayed through the teamwork and skills of all those involved.

“This remarkable achievement makes Sarawak a benchmark for sports event hosting in Malaysia, enhancing its reputation as a high-quality organiser that can execute events with excellence,” he continued.

After his speech, the Sarawak Premier proceeded with the launch of the coffee table book Road To Glory SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024.

He then presented souvenirs as a token of appreciation to 25 committees that played key roles in making SUKMA Sarawak a success.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato’ Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Dato’ Sri John Sikie Tayai, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operations) and Chief Executive Officer of SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024, Datu Hii Chang Kee, and other distinguished guests.-UKASnews