Kuala Lumpur: The Selangor government has assured that there will be no elements of promotion or normalisation of non-conventional lifestyles, including those associated with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, during the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) hosted by the state next year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Najwan Halimi stated that this decision was made to prevent any form of normalisation of such cultures within the various events planned for the biennial sporting event. He addressed the state legislative assembly, responding to a question regarding measures to ensure SUKMA 2026 remains free from such influences.
Najwan Halimi highlighted a recent incident involving a music event where men were dressed as women, which he described as an attempt to normalise unhealthy and non-conventional lifestyles. He assured that there would be no promotion or normalisation of LGBT culture during SUKMA Selangor 2026. Multiple agencies are set to collaborate to prevent any elements related to LGBT culture from emerging during the event.
On February 17, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) announced it would take immediate action regarding a viral incident where several Muslim men were seen dressed as women during an entertainment programme. JAKIM’s director-general, Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, mentioned that the incident had caused public unease and touched on religious and cultural sensitivities.
Meanwhile, Mohd Najwan revealed that the estimated total budget for SUKMA 2026 stands at RM250 million. This budget covers secretariat management, athlete preparations, technical equipment, competition venues, accommodation, meals, ICT systems, and media promotions. A key challenge for Selangor as the host is the lack of a main venue, as the Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA) is expected to complete its first phase only by mid-2027.
The preparation period for Selangor is notably short, less than two years, compared to previous host states which had longer preparation times of between four to six years. To address this, existing venues have been identified for upgrades to meet the required standards, ensuring a successful SUKMA. This was in response to a question about the challenges of hosting SUKMA 2026.
On July 18, 2024, the Malaysia Games Supreme Committee confirmed Selangor as the host for SUKMA 2026, replacing the National Sports Council (MSN), which was originally set to organise the event under the alternating host system.