Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh warned private stakeholders that they require the government’s approval before bidding for the right to organise any international sporting events in Malaysia.
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat during the supplementary supply bill debate, she said this is because the government has to consider the fiscal perspective before deciding to host any international sporting events, in the case of any successful bid.
“For these international events, usually there are parties that will go and bid, some bid without government approval. After bidding, they come and say they’ve gotten the bid, they want money to host it.
“It’s not fair for the government if parties go bid without getting approval,” she said when responding to Kampar MP Chong Zhemin’s question during the debate session.
Citing the Sports Development Act 1997, Yeoh said this is not just for motorsports but all sports as the act lists approval conditions to be the host for international competitions.
“Section 33, no one can make an offer or offer themselves to be the host for any international sporting event or competition in Malaysia without prior written approval from the minister,” she said.
The minister was responding to both Zhemin’s and Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid’s concerns about contradictory reports regarding the government’s opinion on hosting Formula E and Formula One races.
Further commenting on organising these big races, Yeoh said cost is the government’s number one concern before considering approving any bidding to be made.
MotoGP more following
Comparing high-speed car races to MotoGP, she said the latter had more following, hence the government’s decision to continue to invest in organising the event.
“For F1, we have answered that the hosting fee is high, estimated at RM228 million. Compared to MotoGP at RM53.2 million - meaning MotoGP is cheaper.
“The estimate for Formula E - we haven’t gotten the info but, based on studies, it’s around RM120 million, double MotoGP.
“So even though everyone will say these events are good, we have to look at our capabilities and public interest in the sport.
“Why MotoGP, as I stated, 182,000 visitors will come and Sepang International Circuit needs this MotoGP event,” she added.
Previously, Free Malaysia Today reported that a private company is waiting for a response from the Prime Minister’s Office to get the nod to organise Formula E in the country.
Yeoh also confirmed that the company never preempted her ministry and has scheduled a meeting with relevant stakeholders to discuss the matter. - Mkini
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