Rename aquatic centre to ‘Pandelela Aquatic Centre’, says Masing
KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing suggests that ‘ Sarawak Aquatic Centre’ be renamed ‘ Pandelela Aquatic Centre’ to honour her achievements.
The Infrastructure Development and Transportation Minister also hoped that Pandelela Ranong, Sarawak’s first Olympic winner, will later take charge and run the centre.
“Someone has suggested that we should name our aquatic centre as Pandelela Aquatic Centre and let her run it. This is a very good suggestion. I support it hundred per cent.
“There must be life after diving for Pandelela. Therefore, we must equip her with all the necessary skills and qualifications so that there is life after diving for her.
“Enrol her in the best diving institution in the world! It will cost us money but after the training, not only that she can come back as a better professional diver but also one who can manage an aquatic centre or a diving institution.
“And after naming the centre after her, she can run it to keep her going while at the same time, that will be the place she can use to impart her diving skills to the next generation,” Masing told The Borneo Post yesterday.
He said in general, the career span of most athletes at international level is short.
“It is thus the responsibility of the government to help equip our own outstanding athletes with relevant skills and qualifications to allow them to start their second career after their sports career has come to an end.
“Pursuing continuous professional development (CPD) is what most Malaysian athletes are lacking. For instance, Zaiton Othman pursued her degree in Sports Science after her career in her athletics sports. This has enabled her to continue her career with the Ministry of Sports.
“Among the sports personalities that had failed to go to greater heights is Datuk Misbun Sidek. Due to his educational level, he could not compete with Morten Frost for the post of technical director of Badminton Association of Malaysia ( BAM).
“Misbun’s capabilities only landed him as the chief coach. If only he could be properly equipped in his younger days, he could have been given the post of technical director instead of giving it to a foreigner.”
Masing reiterated that Sarawakian politicians should not fight for honorary titles for Pandelela but instead fight for something which benefits her after her career as a professional diver comes to an end.
“This is what we should equip Pandelela with now - qualifications and knowledge and not honorific titles which will not serve her after her prime in sports. In fact, honorific titles could be a liability to her,” said Masing.
He also said the same rule applied to all outstanding sportsmen and women in Malaysia.
Last Wednesday, Pandelela won the Silver medal with Cheong Jun Hoong in the 10m synchro diving at the Rio Olympics. She has also qualified for the final of 10m women diving on Aug 18.
Pandelela won a bronze medal in her pet 10m diving event in London Olympics 2012.