Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Malaysia look set to host 2017 SEA Games

MALAYSIA are almost assured of hosting the 2017 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and Asian Para Games, after a memorandum which was handed in by Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin at a cabinet meeting last week was approved.

“The SEA Games was supposed to go to Brunei in 2017 and then us in 2019, but Brunei have proposed to host the 2019 Games as they need more time to get things prepared.

“The SEA Games Federation then approached us and gave us a choice to host it two years earlier and we did not turn down the offer. When I approached the cabinet, they were quick to respond and after the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) sends in a formal letter, everything should be finalised,” stated the young minister.

Khairy has also assured the cost of hosting the Games two years earlier will not be an issue as Malaysia have all the facilities needed to run the sports competition.

“I’ve put the cost into consideration and we will not build any new facilities apart from the velodrome in Cheras.

“We will upgrade some facilities - this way we will save on the cost of hosting the SEA Games,” added Khairy.

The Rembau Member of Parliament (MP) is also considering to include Sabah and Sarawak in his hosting plans.

“Cost is the main factor to bring the Games there. Sarawak have a world standard aquatic centre and all aquatics events could be hosted by them,” Khairy said.

The Langkawi Island will play host to sailing, while track cycling will be contested in Nilai and road cycling in Johor Baru.

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