The dark chapter of the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s poorest outings at the biennial games, was firmly put to rest as the 2025 edition in Thailand drew to a close last night.

Despite logistical hurdles, most notably the late relocation of all events from Songkhla to Bangkok due to flooding, as well as competition venues scattered far from the city centre, the Malaysian contingent rose to the occasion and delivered a far more convincing campaign...