Sarawak, Selangor strengthen cooperation ahead of Sukma XXII

KUCHING (Jan 7): Sarawak and Selangor are looking to further strengthen cooperation in youth and sports development following a courtesy visit by Selangor State exco member Mohd Najwan Halimi to Sarawak, ahead of the 22nd Malaysia Games (Sukma XXII) and Para Sukma.

Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the visit reflected the strong working relationship between the two state governments and their shared commitment to advancing youth, sports, and entrepreneurship at the national level.

“This courtesy visit is important as it not only strengthens ties between Sarawak and Selangor, but also demonstrates our shared commitment to the development of youth and sports in the country,” he told a press conference at Bangunan Baitul Makmur II here.

Abdul Karim congratulated the Selangor government on being appointed host of Sukma XXII and Para Sukma, noting that both events play a key role in shaping the nation’s sporting landscape.

“Sukma and Para Sukma are not just sporting events. They are important platforms for developing disciplined and resilient young athletes, while instilling values such as integrity, leadership and teamwork,” he said.

He added that the games also serve as a key talent identification pathway, bridging grassroots participation and high-performance sport.

“Athletes who perform well at Sukma and Para Sukma have the potential to be absorbed into national development programmes and to represent Malaysia at major international competitions, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.

He said Sarawak would continue to provide full support to the state contingent competing in Sukma XXII and Para Sukma, while remaining committed to long-term youth and sports development.

The visit also provided an opportunity to strengthen strategic cooperation between Sarawak and Selangor, particularly in athlete development, sports management, youth programmes, and youth entrepreneurship.

“The sharing of expertise and best practices between the two states will contribute positively to the overall development of the national sports ecosystem,” he said.

Abdul Karim expressed confidence that Sukma XXII and Para Sukma would be organised smoothly under Selangor’s stewardship and further strengthen unity through sports.

Later, in a simple ceremony, Abdul Karim handed the Sukma Torch to Najwan.

Also present were Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development permanent secretary Dolhadi Mazuki, Sarawak Sports Corporation acting chief executive officer Khairul Nizam Morshidi and Sukma XXII CEO Dato Mohd Yazid Sairi.