All Aye To Government's No To 2026 Commonwealth Games Host Job
KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- Former chairman of Sukom Ninety Eight Berhad Gen (R) Tun Mohamed Hashim Mohd Ali fully supports Malaysia's decision to reject the offer by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
He said he was relieved to learn of the decision as he felt that Malaysia is not in the best position, in terms of timing and austerity measures that are being carried out, to host the quadrennial Games, which led to the government rejecting the offer.
"I am very relieved with the government's decision not to accept the offer. Previously, when I said that it could not be done within two years, it didn't mean I said not to it… and today the Cabinet has decided not to accept the offer.
"So, I fully support the government's decision to reject the offer to be the host nation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” the former chief of the Armed Forces said when contacted by Bernama.
Local sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli shared the same sentiment, describing the decision as being in line with the wishes of the people.
He praised the government's decision as he said it prioritised the 'public interest’ over 'sporting interest’ in the country.
"...no need to question anymore (after this) as to why (the offer) was rejected. We have rejected it and (everyone) must understand that this is an honourable rejection by the people of Malaysia because the decision was made by our elected representatives,” he said.
The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), which also heads the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) of Malaysia, said it respected the government's decision to reject the offer to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
CGA of Malaysia and OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said they understood the government's decision to prioritise the needs of the people after considering all aspects of hosting the Games, including the financial implications.
"The OCM, as the CGA of Malaysia, takes this opportunity to express our highest gratitude to the Malaysian Government, especially the Youth and Sports Ministry, for considering CGF's offer,” he said in a statement today.
The ministry announced through a statement today that the decision was made at the Cabinet meeting today after considering all aspects of hosting the Games and their implications.
It added that the economic impact of hosting the quadrennial Games could not be identified in the short term.
The ministry also announced that the MADANI Government wanted to focus on sports development and the welfare and well-being of the people for now.
Previously, the OCM confirmed that the CGF offered Malaysia the opportunity to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, together with a fund injection of £100 million (RM603 million), to replace Victoria, Australia, which withdrew as the host last year.
-- BERNAMA
