KUALA LUMPUR – The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) accepts the government’s decision to turn down the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) offer to stage the 2026 Games.
In a statement, OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria applauded the government’s planning in all aspects prior to hosting the Games.
He also commended the government’s decision in prioritising the needs of the people.
“The OCM, as the Commonwealth Games Association of Malaysia, wishes to express our gratitude to the Malaysian government, particularly the Youth and Sports Ministry, for giving due consideration to the offer made by the CGF.
“After taking into account the financial implications and all aspects of organising the Games, we wholeheartedly understand the government’s decision to prioritise the needs of the people,” read the statement.
It was reported that the Youth and Sports Ministry had rejected the offer by the CGF to host the quadrennial event.
In a statement, the ministry said this decision was made after the cabinet meeting today, taking into account all aspects of organising the Games and their implications.
The CGF delegation had met with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan on February 5 for an information-sharing session.
Previously, Yeoh told the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysia should not spend more than the grant offered by the CGF to host the 2026 Games.
The CGF turned to Malaysia after the Australian state of Victoria’s withdrawal, with the governing body offering a grant of £100 million (RM603 million).
Malaysia had hosted the Games in 1998, which were said to incur losses of RM11.6 million, and accounts could only be closed 13 years later due to suits over non-payments.
The contingent in 1998 finished fourth in the medals table with 36 medals (10 golds, 14 silvers and 12 bronzes). – March 22, 2024