Khairy chides organiser for using security issues to get RM3.5m from Government

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar today chided Women's World Squash Championship organiser Hallmark Events Group, for using 'security issues' to get RM3.5 million from the government.

His outburst followed the postponement by the organiser, of the event scheduled to be held here on Dec 11 till Dec 18.

He described the organiser's explanation for the postponement as ridiculous.

"Even more interesting, in the email I received, they admitted that security concerns were not the main reason; that they were actually facing financial difficulties.

"In the email, they said they would proceed with the championship if the Malaysian government could provide sponsorship of RM3.5 million for private security arrangements.

"This clearly shows that they are using 'security issues' to get funds from the government.

"I will not compromise or be blackmailed by their claim of security issues," Khairy told reporters after attending the Lean in Summit Malaysia 2015, here, Saturday.

Khairy also dismissed the security concerns raised by the organiser. He cited the recent 27th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings hosted by Malaysia, which saw world leaders gathering here including United States President Barack Obama, which ended without any security hitch.