KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 -- Malaysia became the first Asian nation to host the Commonwealth Games when it did so in 1998.

Rated as one of the best tournaments to be held under the Commonwealth banner, it became a symbol of pride for the nation of 22 million people at the time, as it tried hard to make a mark against far richer countries that have hosted the games.

Twenty-six years later, Malaysia is again presented with the opportunity to host the 2026 edition of the tournament after Australia pulled out unexpectedly because of escalating costs, but there is less keenness for it this time.

On social media at least, critics of the idea said the games bring little economic value. The other major factor driving the opposition is the cost of...