SHAH ALAM, April 20 — The decision on whether to postpone the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) 2026 will be determined by the SUKMA Supreme Committee, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said while he acknowledges the concern shown by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj on the need to hold off the biennial games amid global uncertainties, he said the committee holds the authority to decide.
“The biennial games are determined by the SUKMA Supreme Committee, not the state government.
“The state government usually applies to host the games, and once approved by the committee, we carry out (the event) based on the mandate given,” he said after the Tautan Muhibah event organised by Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated), or MBI, here today.
He was responding to Sultan Sharafuddin’s call for SUKMA 2026, currently scheduled for August and September, to be postponed until the crisis in West Asia is resolved and the new Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA) is complete.
Amirudin said the state government would gather feedback from assemblymen during the current Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting, as well as other stakeholders, before reviewing the matter.
He also noted that the proposal to postpone the games was raised in previous SUKMA Supreme Committee meetings, which identified several aspects that needed to be considered, including costs.
“For instance, certain parties have already incurred significant costs, and if the event does not proceed as planned, there is a risk of losing deposits. These are among the concerns raised previously.
“We will therefore assess the matter holistically. While we greatly appreciate His Royal Highness’ suggestion, particularly in terms of saving costs, we must also reevaluate the overall financial implications.
“If the total cost remains too high, the decision will need to be reviewed based on actual data and realities, rather than optics alone.”
Amirudin added that SUKMA is an important platform to identify athletes to represent the country at SEA Games 2027, which Malaysia will host.
