Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today said that the Monsoon Cup yacht race will continue to be hosted by Terengganu as the state government was tied up in an agreement with the race organiser until 2012.

This would effectively rule out the suggestion made by Tourism Minister Azalina Othman Said that the international race could be held in Sabah next year.

abdullah ahmad badawi najib razak pc change portfolio 170908 06 Abdullah, as reported by Bernama today, said that the Terengganu government was bound by a contract with race organiser World Match Racing Tour to host the event until 2012 and the contract must be adhered to.

"I asked the menteri besar (Ahmad Said) whether he (Terengganu) was interested to be the host next year.

"The menteri besar said he was because the Monsoon Cup contract is valid until 2012. Terengganu has an obligation to be the host," said Abdullah during a one-day visit to Terengganu today.

Azalina had suggested on Sunday that the Monsoon Cup be held in Sabah next year as it was in line with her ministry's aims not to hold international events in the same state every year but instead give other states a chance to be host.

Abdullah also said that the race must continue to be held because it had succeeded in introducing Terengganu to the world, especially to yachting enthusiasts.

Speed up ECER projects

"I believe the attraction is there, and if taken in the context of tourism, this race can develop the economy and tourism of the East Coast Economic Region," he said.

monsoon cup 260906 ships sailing boats The race has been held in Pulau Duyong in Terengganu since 2005 with the state government allocating RM4 million a year to organise the event. The Tourism Ministry also provides an allocation annually.

During his visit to the state, Abdullah also said he wanted the projects in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) to be sped up.

Abdullah said cooperation among the public, private sectors and banking institutions was important to ensure the projects were realised fast so that the rakyat would benefit.

"Focus on the opportunities available, find out what programmes that could be implemented, reduce the implementation time and build the infrastructure to improve the agro, technology, tourism and maritime sectors," he was quoted by Bernama as saying.