Sukma XVIII State Secretariat coordinator Affandi (second right) receiving a memento from Ismail (right) after the press conference at the Sukma XVIII State Secretariat located at the Stadium Perpaduan yesterday. Also seen is Darmawan (left), both Malacca State Sports Council (MSNM) officials on a working visit here.
KUCHING: Sarawak hopes to capitalise on invaluable tips from former host Malacca on their knowledge in organising the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Although Sarawak are former host like Malacca, the last time the state organised the national games is a distant memory, having last being in 1990 as the only time it became host.
Malacca on the other hand hosted the games just five years ago in 2010 and the state officials are hoping that Malacca could somewhat lend a helping hand.
Sarawak will host the games only for the second time ever next year in 2016 and the games will be known as Sukma XVIII.
Sukma XVIII State Secretariat coordinator Affandi Keli commented during a press conference yesterday that the Sukma organising committee surely needs all the help that the state could get.
“We are glad that the Malacca officials came to Sarawak and visited us. They have been very kind in willing to share their knowledge with us (the Sarawak officials) as well,” he added.
Affandi was speaking to reporters during a press conference together with Malacca State Sports Council (MSNM) officials, director Ismail Abdol Jalil and Youth and Sports officer Darmawan Samsudin, held at the Sukma 2016 State Secretariat located at Stadium Perpaduan yesterday.
It was also revealed during the press conference that the Kuching Water Board will be Malacca contingent’s caretaker during the games next year.
Ismail commented that he was glad that the Sarawak officials took time to accompany MSNM officials as they visited all the venues selected for the games next year.
“So far, we are impressed with what we saw here in Sarawak and like the hosts, we are eagerly anticipating the games next year too. I am confident that Sarawak will become great hosts,” he said.
While the MSNM officials are in town, they too are hoping to find suitable hotels and lodging for the Malacca contingent during the games next year.
Meanwhile, Malacca’s target for next year is to improve from their Sukma performance in Perlis.
“Three years ago, we did badly during the games in Pahang and it was our worst Sukma outing. We did improve in Perlis (in 2013) and we hope to improve even more next year in Sarawak,” commented Ismail.
Affandi revealed that three previous Sukma hosts, namely Melaka, Pahang and Perlis, are seen as benchmarks by the state in hosting the games.
He too hoped Sarawak will not only become successful hosts, but emerge champions as well after not being crowned since 1994.