This follows the government’s rejection of the offer to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the original hosts – the state of Victoria in Australia – withdrew.

OCM president Norza Zakaria said the resolution was unanimously agreed upon by representatives from all national sports associations at the 209th OCM executive council meeting today, Bernama reported.

He said the resolution, which reflects the “collective aspiration of the country’s sports community”, will be conveyed to the minister, Hannah Yeoh, in a letter.

“We are putting forward the voices of the grassroots (to) request the government to ensure the plan to host the SEA Games in 2027 is on track.

“We don’t want any distractions to the plan as it involves our image and pride,” he said.

Norza also said OCM did not want national athletes preparing for the games to be concerned if their schedule or preparation would be disrupted.

At a SEA Games Federation council meeting in Hanoi in May 2022, Malaysia was awarded hosting rights for the 2027 edition after Brunei withdrew. Thailand and Singapore were granted the opportunity to host the games in 2025 and 2029, respectively.

The 2027 SEA Games will mark the seventh time that Malaysia is hosting the event, the latest being in 2017.