Previously, we shared how a majority of Malaysians are urging Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to reject the offer from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after it was snubbed by Australia.
Well, the Malaysians who urged for the rejection can now rejoice as the Federal Government has just announced that it has declined the offer to host the international multi-sport event.
Hannah Yeoh announced that Malaysia declined the offer
Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh
Taking to her official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Youth and Sports Minister revealed that the Cabinet has decided today to decline the offer to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Hannah attached the press release by her Ministry’s corporate communications unit which elaborated that the decision was made after considering all implications hosting the games would have on our country.
The statement added that delegations from CGF met with Hannah on 5 February to give an explanation on the offer to host the Commonwealth Games, with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan also attending the meeting.
The economic impact of hosting the games can’t be determined
For illustration purposes
The Cabinet meeting today highlighted that the offer of GBP100 million (RM603 million) from CGF would not suffice to afford the whole cost of hosting such a large scale game. Furthermore, the economic impact of hosting the event can’t also be determined at this time.
Hence, the Madani Government thanks CGF for the offer but declined the offer to focus on sports development and the welfare of the rakyat instead.
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
So, what do you guys think of Malaysia’s decision to decline hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: #TolakKomanwel, M’sians Tell Hannah Yeoh to Not Bother Hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games
