KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 – Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari has dismissed reports claiming that Indonesia may boycott the 2027 SEA Games over the exclusion of specific sporting events.
Speaking to reporters following the official launch of the SEA Games 2027 portal on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Dr Mohammed Taufiq confirmed that the ministry has received no official communication regarding a boycott.
He emphasized that the event selection process adhered strictly to established Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) guidelines and received consensus approval from all participating member nations.
“This is actually not the first time that certain sports have not been included. If we look at previous editions, there have also been host countries that did not organise certain events,” Dr Mohammed Taufiq noted. “So, we have followed the established processes, which have been agreed upon by the SEAGF and all the participating countries. Therefore, I believe this matter should no longer arise.”
The minister’s comments address international media reports that a national sports association in Indonesia advocated for a boycott after several priority disciplines were dropped from the competition lineup.
The omitted sports include sport climbing, rowing, beach volleyball, wrestling, chess, jujitsu, kickboxing, and handball.
Reiterating Malaysia’s commitment to regional sportsmanship, Dr Mohammed Taufiq called on all member states to maintain regional solidarity.
“I am confident that the theme we have chosen this time, ‘Celebrating Unity’, reflects our aim to celebrate togetherness,” he added. “This is a family-oriented sporting event, bringing together the ASEAN family. I believe that each country has the wisdom to ensure that unity within ASEAN is preserved and strengthened.”
In October 2026, organizers approved a total of 473 events spanning 43 sports for the 34th SEA Games, scheduled to take place across Malaysia from September 18 to 29, 2027.
Key Statements, Omitted Sports, and Tournament Schedule
Key ministerial responses, event parameters, and tournament details include:
- Ministerial Position: Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari refutes boycott rumors, noting zero official notification from Indonesia.
- SEAGF Compliance: Event lineup follows ratified SEAGF protocols and multi-nation consensus.
- Excluded Sports Disciplines: Sport climbing, rowing, beach volleyball, wrestling, chess, jujitsu, kickboxing, and handball.
- Official Motto & Vision: “Celebrating Unity” (emphasizing ASEAN family solidarity).
- Tournament Scope & Schedule: 473 events across 43 sports scheduled for Sept 18–29, 2027, in Malaysia.
–NMT
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