KUALA LUMPUR: Sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli believes it is feasible for Malaysia and Singapore to team up as co-hosts for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
That was Pekan's response when asked whether Malaysia joining forces with Singapore would be a realistic option.
Both countries have been invited by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to come in a replacement host following the withdrawal of Australian city, Victoria, last year.
Singaporean media yesterday quoted Commonwealth Games Singapore and Sport Singapore as saying they are "assessing the feasibility of the invite".
"I think it (co-hosting) is a positive idea," said Pekan when contacted today.
"Previously, we did not know that Singapore were also considering hosting the event. Obviously, the CGF has to have a number of options.
"In terms of logistics, it's definitely a viable option as geographically we are located right next to each other.
"It will also reduce the amount of costs and risks involved as they can be shared between the two nations.
"I guess it all boils down to our relationship with Singapore's sporting authorities and whether we can come to an agreement with them.
"Obviously there will be a lot of fine details which have to be worked out if it is to work."
Pekan, however, added that Singapore should be allowed to host the Commonwealth Games entirely on its own if that is what the city-state wants.
Victoria, in pulling out, cited escalating costs - expected to reach A$7 billion (RM21.7 billion). CGF has offered nations willing to host the games a £100 million (RM602 million) investment to support local delivery and legacy planning for the event.
The costs to host the games, if held in Malaysia, are expected to exceed RM1 billion - for a relatively simple event, but can go much higher.
A number of parties have publicly stated that hosting the games would burden the government. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said earlier today that a decision is expected to be made next week.
Birmingham hosted the last edition of the games in 2022 for a reported £778 million (RM4.67 billion). Subsequently, the Birmingham city council went bankrupt.