SARAWAK Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has dismissed Kedah Menteri Besar (MB) Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s appeal for financial assistance to cover costs related to sending the Kedah contingent to the Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
According to The Borneo Post, Abdul Karim highlighted the historical burden borne by Sabah and Sarawak when participating in national-level events held in Peninsular Malaysia including sports competitions like SUKMA and the annual national soccer league.
“What the Kedah MB highlighted is what Sabah and Sarawak have had to endure during national events, including sports, whenever they are held in Peninsular Malaysia.
“The contingents from Sabah and Sarawak have had to bear the costs for any sports event, be it SUKMA or the yearly national soccer league. We’ve suffered in silence every year just to participate,” Abdul Karim said.
Moreover, Sanusi had earlier pointed out the high costs associated with travel and the transportation of equipment in his appeal for Sarawak to assist with covering part of these expenses.
Reacting to this, Abdul Karim suggested that Sanusi might have made the request in jest, noting that Kedah is a financially capable state.
“The Kedah MB, at one time, even mentioned that it could be as developed and successful as Selangor.”
SUKMA 2024 is scheduled to take place across Sarawak’s nine divisions from Aug 17 to 24, featuring 37 sports and 488 events. The games will involve 12,619 athletes and officials, marking the third time Sarawak has hosted SUKMA after 1990 and 2016. – July 11, 2024
Main photo credit: Kosmo Digital
