Kuala lumpur: The opportunity to host the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia will be used to strengthen the country’s image on the world stage, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat today, emphasized the significance of this event as a means to elevate Malaysia’s international standing.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, besides the 2027 SEA Games, Malaysia is set to host several other international sporting events over the next five years. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that these events are not only about showcasing athletic prowess but also about enhancing Malaysia’s global image and promoting unity among its citizens.

In addition to Kuala Lumpur, the 2027 SEA Games will be spread across three other states: Sarawak, Penang, and Johor. This distribution of venues is intended to involve multiple regions in the hosting of the games, thereby broadening the impact and engagement across the nation.

Malaysia has a history of hosting the biennial SEA Games, having previously organized the event in 1965, 1971, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2017. The upcoming games will be another milestone in Malaysia’s sporting history, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to regional sports development.

The 13MP, themed ‘Redesigning Development’, outlines the country’s development plans from 2026 to 2030, with the hosting of international events like the SEA Games serving as a key component of these plans.