Opening ceremony the best in Sukma so far — Khairy

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Khairy (centre) talks to a media man before the press conference. At right is Morshidi.

Khairy (centre) talks to a media man before the press conference. At right is Morshidi.

KUCHING: The opening ceremony of 2016 Malaysian Games (Sukma) on Saturday at Sarawak Stadium was described by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin as the best one so far.

He commended the Sarawak government, particularly the Sukma XVIII organising committee chaired by State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani, for a well-run ceremony.

Opposition politicians from DAP led by the party’s Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen (second right) also attended the ceremony.

Opposition politicians from DAP led by the party’s Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen (second right) also attended the ceremony.

He also said the overall running of the Games has been smooth so far albeit few minor problems which have been immediately resolved by the organising committee.

“The opening ceremony was excellent, with the 45,000 capacity Sarawak Stadium being filled up by people. It was a brilliant ceremony, and I believe this was one of the most excellent opening ceremonies in the history of Sukma,” he told a press conference at the Sukma XVIII Media Centre yesterday.

The ceremony officiated by Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud showcased performances depicting the unity in diversity in Sarawak. The theme of this year’s Sukma is ‘Unity in Diversity’.

The spectacular opening ceremony featuring impressive lighting work, fireworks and performances by 3,000 students was televised live on RTM’s TV1 and it has received rave reviews from viewers on social media.

On food and accommodation for the athletes, Khairy said he had visited the Sukma Village at Unimas and the feedback received was satisfactory.

“There are no cases of food poisoning so far (unlike the previous Sukmas),” he said.

“I hope this good level of performance can be maintained until after the closing of Sukma on July 31”.

Young performers gave a spirited show despite the rain that night.

Young performers gave a spirited show despite the rain that night.

The impressive lighting work.

The impressive lighting work.