Official Address by the President of the Malaysia Basketball Association (MABA), Dato’ Seri Lee Tian Hock
Today, with deep gratitude and great excitement, we gather to witness a historic moment—the groundbreaking ceremony for MABA Suitez @ KL City Centre. This is more than just a symbolic event; it represents a crucial step toward building a sustainable future and setting a new course for Malaysian basketball.
As we move toward a brighter future, we must always remember the foundation built by our predecessors. Every achievement we celebrate today stems from their sacrifice, perseverance, and foresight.
As we move toward a brighter future, we must always remember the foundation built by our predecessors. Every achievement we celebrate today stems from their sacrifice, perseverance, and foresight.
We especially honor the contributions of MABA’s second President, the late Tan Sri Khaw Kai Boh, a leader of extraordinary vision. At a time of severe financial limitations, he made the bold and historic decision to construct the 12-storey Wisma MABA. Launched in 1969 and completed in 1971, this project placed MABA among one of the very few national basketball associations in the world that owns their building. This accomplishment also raised MABA’s profile on the global stage.
We also acknowledge the invaluable service of the late Mr. Lum Mun Chak and the late Dato’ Yeoh Choo Hock, both of whom served as Honorary Secretary General of FIBA Asia. Through their dedication, effort and strong relationships, Wisma MABA was selected as the headquarter of FIBA Asia, placing Malaysia in a highly respected position within Asian basketball.
We are honored to have with us today YBhg. Dato’ Loke Yuen Yow JP, who led MABA for 18 years. Under his leadership, another important mission was fulfilled – the revival and completion of the MABA Stadium construction, which restarted in 1993 and was completed in 1995. This stadium remains an enduring symbol of basketball development in the capital.
We also recognize the determined efforts of Tan Sri Tan Beng Tong and Mr. Lim Yew Jin, who each successfully raised over RM2 million for this project. The remaining shortfall was subsequently raised by YBhg. Dato’ Loke Yuen Yow JP, enabling the project to be completed.
However, after the stadium was built, a critical issue surfaced: the stadium could not receive its operating licence due to a lack of parking facilities. At this crucial moment, Mr. Lim Yew Jin once again stepped forward – constructing the parking facility, adding player dormitories and building a covered court. These contributions eventually became the foundation for the establishment of the MABA Basketball Academy.
I would also like to record our deepest appreciation to all former MABA Presidents:
the late Mr. Quek Kai Dong,
the late Tan Sri Lee San Choon,
the late Tan Sri Chan Ah Chye,
the late Tan Sri Lee Kim Sai,
as well as Dato’ Seri Tiong King Sing JP, Dato’ Lua Choon Hann and Datuk Wira Tan Kang Yong JP.
From the very beginning, every one of our leaders has been a cornerstone of this organization. The foundation they built is the very reason we can stand so firmly today.
Now, we’ve reached a historic turning point. It’s time to take Malaysian basketball to the next level, and that’s why we’re launching the “Continuing the Legacy, Forging the Future” project. Since I became President in 2022, the redevelopment of this building has been a central part ofour Five Pilot Projects. This land is more than just a collection of memories; we’re now breathing new life into it to power our future success.
The truth is, after serving us for over fifty years, Wisma MABA faces serious structural problems. Our stadium also has its own issues, with a leaky roof and an aging cooling system. We all understand: we can’t live on past achievements, we must have the courage to build a new legacy.
This redevelopment project will allow MABA to build long-term financial assets that provide a stable, ongoing income. That is how we will turn our vision of financial independence into reality.
Let’s be clear, funding is the lifeblood of sports development. We need to shift our mindset — from being just “dreamers” to becoming proactive “builders” of our own revenue streams. Our ultimate goal is clear: to become a financially self-reliant organisation, no longer dependent on donations.
I am truly thankful to the MABA affiliates for your support of this redevelopment plan at the Annual General Meeting. Your endorsement paves the way for MABA to move beyond traditional funding models and fully maximize our assets’ value. This is a genuine game changer for Malaysian basketball’s future.
Allow me to outline the future of MABA Suitez:
• Situated on 1.3 acres of land in central Kuala Lumpur, within walking distance to Merdeka 118 and surrounded by Petaling Street, schools and major public transportation networks (MRT, LRT, and Monorail).
• Featuring two twin towers of approximately 60 storeys, comprising over 1,000 high-quality serviced residence units; Including a new 3,000 sqft MABA headquarters with a dedicated 3×3 court – symbolising our respect for history and commitment to future development.
This RM800 million project is expected to generate at least RM170 million for MABA. We’ll use RM120 million of that to repurchase serviced apartments for rental, which should generate about RM6 million in steady annual income. This means future leaders of MABA can focus entirely on developing the basketball, free from financial worries.
Today, we lay the foundation for this ambitious vision. With MABA Suitez expected to be completed in 2031, we’re not just delivering a key Pilot Project – we’re entering a new era where MABA stands self-reliant, competitive and sustainable.
I wish to express special appreciation to our joint development partner, EXSIM and to Mr. Lim Aik Kiat. With EXSIM’s expertise, support and full confidence, we’re turning this vision into reality and building a stronger future for Malaysian basketball together.
Basketball has never been just a game, it teaches us how to work together, how to bounce back and how to seize opportunities. Over the years, MABA has been proud to nurture countless talented players and coaches over the years, and we remain fully committed to growing both the culture of basketball and the next generation who will carry it forward.
Distinguished guests, today’s groundbreaking ceremony not only marks the beginning of MABA Suitez, but also the opening of a new chapter in Malaysia’s basketball development.
Today’s blessing ceremony incorporated Malay, Chinese and Indian traditions. That wasn’t just for ceremony — it reflects our sincere commitment to making MABA an inclusive home for all.
We want to make it clear, basketball isn’t just for one community. It’s a sport for every Malaysian. Our diversity is our strength, and when we stand together, we go further.
May everything we dedicate today — our determination, our unity, our vision & mission — blossom into success for years to come.
Thank you.
