KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Malaysian contingent following their commendable performance at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, where the nation secured a total of 231 medals across various disciplines.
In a statement, Anwar highlighted that the achievement was the result of discipline, sacrifice and unwavering fighting spirit demonstrated by athletes, coaches and officials.
He stressed that such determination has brought pride to Malaysia on the regional stage and should serve as a catalyst for future sporting excellence.
Malaysia’s contingent, which won 18 gold medals, also celebrated historic victories, including ending a 34-year drought in the men’s sepak takraw team regu event by defeating host Thailand.
The King and Queen of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah, also expressed their pride in the athletes’ commitment and resilience, underscoring the importance of their success as inspiration for the younger generationThe Star.
Looking ahead, Anwar emphasised that preparations for Malaysia’s role as host of the 2027 SEA Games must be comprehensive and well-structured.
The Games, scheduled to take place from 18 to 29 September 2027 across Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Penang and Johor, will mark the seventh time Malaysia has hosted the event.
He noted that preparations should not only focus on infrastructure and organisation, but also on building a sustainable sports ecosystem capable of producing world-class talent.
“We will ensure that preparations as the host of the 2027 SEA Games are carried out comprehensively, well-planned and authoritatively,” he said.
The Prime Minister also underscored the role of sports as a unifying force, bringing together Malaysians across races, regions and backgrounds.
He described this unity as the true strength of the nation, which must be preserved and strengthened through sporting platforms.
Malaysia’s performance in Thailand, despite challenges faced by several teams, has been widely recognised as a stepping stone towards greater competitiveness at both regional and international levels.
Analysts have pointed out that the Games highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in sports such as hockey, where consistency under pressure remains a challenge.
With the countdown to 2027 already underway, Malaysia’s leadership has pledged to mobilise resources and expertise to ensure the Games are a success.
The co-hosting role of Sarawak is expected to showcase the state’s growing capacity in staging major sporting events, following its successful organisation of the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
As Malaysia prepares for its next chapter in sporting history, the achievements in Thailand stand as a reminder of the nation’s potential and the importance of nurturing talent for future generations.
