Malaysian netizens stand united with national pride

KUALA LUMPUR: Proud Malaysians are united over the country’s best-ever performance in the SEA Games.

On The Star Online’s Facebook page, netizens enthusiastically congratulated the national contingent, with many pointing out that the SEA Games had managed to bring together Malaysians of different ethnicity, religion and political beliefs.

Facebook user Kae Wen said: “Thank you for bringing every level of society together. This is how it should be, and not bickering about race, politics or religion.”

Nov Velan said: “Congratulations! Politics divide us; sports unite us! Malaysia boleh!”

At the same time, Heran Niruba pointed out that the SEA Games not only managed to unite Malaysians, but also uplifted the mood for the Merdeka celebration.

Nazirul Hisham commented: “Thank you so much for making all Malaysians proud. History has been created.”

Liew Chesterljc said victory in the SEA Games was the perfect gift for National Day.

Meanwhile, Facebook user Azlan A. Aziz extended a heartfelt “thank you” to the behind-the-scenes figures – the staff, family members, teachers, physiotherapists, coach- es, nutritionists, drivers, officials and others – of the SEA Games, pointing out that they were a crucial factor in Malaysia’s stellar performance.

“Thank you for supporting our sporting heroes. Without ... your contribution, our athletes would not be able to perform to the best of their ability.”

Cheeky netizens also called on Putrajaya to declare a public holiday.

John Lim commented: “Congratulations to the Malaysian contingent. Maybe our Government should show its appreciation by declaring a public holiday.”

Cyclist Azizulhasni Awang delivered the 111th gold medal after winning the men’s sprint title at the National Velodrome in Nilai, Negri Sembilan, on Monday night.

The 111-gold target was pegged to the number of golds that Malaysia won the last time it hosted the Games in 2001.

Last night, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak congratulated the national contingent for meeting the target, adding that it was too soon to say if the Government would declare a public holiday.

“Wait first, the SEA Games are still ongoing,” he said.