Recently, news that Malaysia was considering hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Australia backed out made a huge stir. While it technically is considered an honour, most voiced disagreement against it citing its potential aftermath.
As it turns out, netizens weren’t the only ones concerned about hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Two famed Malaysian athletes, Datuk Santokh Singh and Datuk Karu Selvaratnam too have shared their reasons why they aren’t happy with the government even considering the idea.
Local media has since been reporting the government’s thoughts on taking over hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games from Australia. According to The Star, the Olympics Council of Malaysia (OCM) believes Malaysia can host the Games without straining their budget, which has been the main concern of many, with the right strategy, such as utilising pre-existing hotels and facilities, reducing the number of sports, or co-hosting with Singapore.
But, former Olympian Karu Selvaratnam apparently felt otherwise. As reported by China Press, Datuk Karu has opined it is unwise to accept the offer, considering the country’s current economic situation. “Our national debt is very high,” he stated in an interview. “Anyone with common sense would reject it out of hand. (The government should) put this money to good use in a way that benefits the people.”
Retired Malaysian football player Datuk Santokh Singh too rejected the idea, pointing out that the financial accounts of the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games had not yet been resolved and that taking on the responsibility might waste taxpayers’ money. “The Commonwealth Games are not as prestigious as they once were, and we shouldn’t sacrifice our country’s economy for them,” he said.
Still, OCM is optimistic about hosting the games, claiming there will be a grant of about RM600 million from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) which will help minimize the cost. OCM’s secretary-general Datuk Nazifuddin Najib insists: “It will be a golden chance for us because we will have the grant.”
They are also pushing to host the Games as they believe it will inspire new athletes. “Many of our youngsters have not felt the spirit of the Commonwealth Games, they have only felt the SEA Games vibe in 2017. The 1998 Games edition had a good spillover effect in terms of sports,” he pointed out.
Nazifuddin also expressed certainly that planning for the Games would be done with transparency and would have a positive impact on the economy. “I cannot guarantee what the return on investment (ROI) will be for the Commonwealth Games, but I’m sure that there will be a spillover effect and we will work on a balanced budget,” he stated. “It’s nothing like having the Games in your own country. It would be a great opportunity for Malaysia.”
The decision regarding the 2026 Commonwealth Games is currently in the hands of the government, with a decision reportedly to be made next week. In the meantime, we can only hope they will weigh the pros and cons and make the right decision for the sake of the country.
Update (22nd March 2024, 3:30pm):
After much discussion and consideration, Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh announced that the Cabinet has decided against hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Full statement here:
Keputusan telah dibuat oleh Jemaah Menteri hari ini. Malaysia tidak setuju terima tawaran tuan rumah Sukan Komanwel 2026. pic.twitter.com/LiyhXooc9J
— Hannah Yeoh (@hannahyeoh) March 22, 2024
Sources: The Star, China Press, Free Malaysia Today
