Masing: Honour Sarawakian athletes for international achievements

KUCHING: Both Malaysia and Sarawak should give recognition to the international achievements of Sarawakians, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.

Among the Sarawakians, he added, who deserve to be honoured by both the state and country are Pandelela Rinong, Nicodemus Manggoi, Bonnie Bunyau and Frances Luhong.

He suggested that one way to recognise their achievements is by giving scholarships under their names in their respective fields.

“This is so that our younger generation could be trained and continue to give us honour. It proves to show that Sarawakians are good if we are given the opportunities to train and to compete at world arena.

“I offer my heartiest congratulations to them. I am very proud of their international achievements,” he added in a statement yesterday.

National diver Pandelela recently splashed her way to the gold medal in the women’s 10m platform at the Fina Diving World Cup 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.

She is the first Malaysian to win a gold medal at the international diving competition.

Kuching-born Francisca, on the other hand, made Sarawak proud after she was crowned 2020 Miss Universe Malaysia last year.

She is also the first Dayak woman to ever win the Miss Universe Malaysia title.

As for Bonnie and Nicodemus, both athletes won gold medal for the country during the recently concluded World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Bangkok.

Another Sarawakian who obtained international achievement is Bibiana Ahmad, who like Bonnie and Nicodemus also won gold medal during the recent World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Bangkok.

“We must remember that these four young people are Malaysians of Sarawak origin,” said Masing.