SAGA XI to proceed as planned despite election uncertainty
KOTA KINABALU (July 15): The 11th Sabah Games (SAGA), scheduled to take place in Tawau from October 11 to 17, will proceed as planned despite uncertainty over the timing of the 17th State Election.
Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan gave the assurance, saying discussions would be held with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor to ensure the Games run smoothly.
'We're not sure … that's up to the Chief Minister to decide when the election will be. But if it's held earlier, it won't interfere with the Games.
'God willing, there will be discussions with the Chief Minister so we can avoid any clashes,' he told reporters after officiating the SAGA XI Team Sports Group Stage Draw at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Tuesday.
Hajiji had earlier confirmed that the State Legislative Assembly sitting on July 7–8 was the final one for the current term, although he did not disclose when it would be dissolved. The assembly is set to dissolve automatically on November 11 if not done earlier.
Fairuz said Tawau is ready to host over 8,000 athletes and officials for the state's premier multi-sport event.
'I believe all the teams are ready and, from the main organising committee's side, everything is already in place. We are just waiting for the date,' he said.
The assistant minister also witnessed the draw for team sports including football, futsal, netball, basketball, sepak takraw, hockey, volleyball and rugby.
A total of 23 sports will be contested in SAGA, involving 30 district contingents — including new additions Sook and Paitan. A total of 232 gold, 232 silver, and 339 bronze medals will be up for grabs in the biennial event.
'I would like to advise the athletes and teams to give their utmost best in SAGA, and hopefully more records will be set.
'More importantly, this is not just about the Sabah Games — we are also preparing for the next Malaysia Games (Sukma),' he added.
Also present at the ceremony were Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Mansur Asun and Sabah Sports Council (MSN Sabah) Director Mohd Asneh Mohd Noor.
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