Doubts emerged on March 12 over the prospect of Malaysia hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, after current and former senior officials expressed grave reservations about the country stepping in.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is scrambling to find a host after the Australian state of Victoria abruptly pulled out in July 2023, citing spiralling costs.
Victoria's sudden move and the lack of an obvious alternative triggered debate about the future of the Games, which take place every four years and were last held in 2022 in Birmingham.
The Olympic Council of Malaysia on March 11 said that the Londonbased CGF had "offered Malaysia the opportunity to replace Victoria as hosts of the Commonwealth Games in 2026".
"The offer includes significant financial investment of £100 million (S$170 million) to support the local delivery and legacy planning of the 2026 edition," it said.
Commonwealth Games chiefs subsequently praised Malaysia's "fantastic track record", with the South-east Asian country having staged the Games in 1998.
But a CGF spokesperson also suggested that Malaysia was not the only country that could potentially stage the Games in 2026.
The spokesperson said the organisation was "in advanced, confidential discussions with potential hosts".
This story is from the March 13, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 13, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DEFENCE BEHIND BOSTON'S SUCCESS
Celtics on track for record 18th title; youthful Thunder continue to rumble to take lead in semis
A BETTER TOMORROW LOOMING
Stablemates Fast And Fearless and Fountain Of Fame also well
UOB QI profit down 2% amid drop in net interest margin
UOB had a muted start to 2024 as its margins from interest rates dropped, even as loans picked up pace and fee income rose.
US said to have revoked Qualcomm, Intel licences for exports to Huawei
The United States has revoked licences that allowed companies including Intel and Qualcomm to ship chips used for laptops and handsets to sanctioned Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei Technologies, three people familiar with the matter said.
Mexico City wins Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize
Mexico City has been named the winner of the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2024.
MOH limited in what it can do on Cordlife customer refunds: Janil
He says Govt is not party to contracts for a private service and cannot overstep law
Bill to extend regulatory control over key transport firms passed
It will not create major compliance costs or interfere in commercial decisions: Minister
ERP 2.0 early adopters can reposition unit to driver's side for free: Chee Hong Tat
Motorists who have had the nextgeneration Electronic Road Pricing system (ERP 2.0) on-board units (OBU) installed in their vehicles as at May 2 can reposition the processing units from the passenger's footwell to the driver's footwell for free if they wish, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.
Baltimore bridge collapse: Body of final victim found
The body of the sixth and final victim who died in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was found on May 7, officials said, bringing to a close a difficult salvage mission after the United States' deadliest bridge collapse in more than a decade.
Porn star testifies about sex with Trump, hush money payout
His lawyers attack her credibility but their request to seek a mistrial gets denied