Malaysia, which lost out to Qatar in the race to host the 2006 Asian Games, will compete for the 2010 edition but there will be no lavish bidding process, a report said today.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has requested bid documents for the 2010 Asian Games, chairman Tunku Imran Tunku Jaafar was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

Much wiser after being beaten by Qatar in a closely-fought bidding war, Tengku Imran said the OCM would take a different approach by first seeking the support of fellow national Olympic committees when delegates meet in Athens next month.

"We don't want to spend too much money on presentations and the bidding process. We believe this money is better spent on development programs in the country," he said.

"We have decided to change our approach and will seek the support of the other National Olympic Committees (NOC). In fact, there is a meeting of the NOCs in Athens next month and I will try to convince them to support us.

"If there is another city or country that wants to bid, we hope to strike a bargain with that country."

So far, only the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou has voiced its intention to bid for the 2010 Asian Games and last month said it would soon submit the application to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

The OCA is expected to send delegations to inspect facilities in all candidate cities next February and March and the final result will be announced in June.

Busan in South Korea played host to the 2002 Asiad and Doha in Qatar will stage the 2006 edition. - AFP