KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s decision to reject the offer to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games was not influenced by undue external pressure, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Echoing the Youth and Sports Ministry’s statement today, he said monetary factors played a large role behind the decision.
“A lot of it has to do with ringgit and sen. When we assessed the viability to host the games, the length of time needed and cost was seen to be particularly prohibitive.
“I’m not saying that if we had a longer time, we would definitely do it, but because of such a short time, we definitely cannot do it.
“It is not not because of pressure from external groups. It was really looking at whether it is viable or not, it will cost too much,” he said at his ministry’s weekly press conference at Angkasapuri today.
He reiterated that the government’s commitment was not to spend more than the £100 million (RM603 million) offered by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to host the Games.
He added that based on the Sports Ministry’s assessment, more positive spillovers – such as tourism – could be garnered from hosting concerts.
Asked whether the decision would lead to Malaysia losing its appeal as a host, Fahmi said two years was insufficient to prepare for the large-scale sporting event.
He added that the decision was not considered a missed opportunity for the nation.
“It is not something that we even thought was an opportunity. It (would be) different if it were something that was planned.
“We are realistic about where we, as a country, need to go, the kind of resources we have at hand, including time.”
Earlier today, the Sports Ministry said Malaysia rejected the CGF’s £100-million offer to host the Games in 2026.
The ministry said the figure was insufficient to cover the extensive costs to organise such a large-scale sporting event, adding that the government “wants to focus on sports development, as well as the welfare and wellbeing of the people”.
Prior to the announcement, people had been calling for the cancellation of the games, with the hashtag #TolakKomanwel on X.
Many netizens said Malaysia lacked the financial strength to host the Games, and that the event would not provide much returns to the nation either way. – March 22, 2024