Let’s rise together, says Khairy
KL2017 an opportunity to again bring Malaysians under a common cause
KUALA LUMPUR: The time has come for Malaysians to “Bangkit Bersama” (Rise Together) and throw their support behind the athletes representing the nation.
Hosting the 29th SEA Games after 16 years provides an opportunity to once again bring together all Malaysians under a common cause, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who is the Malaysia Organising Committee chairman.
“This is where 30 million hands come together to reach for the dreams and stars to provide support to the Malaysian contingent and celebrate as a nation which will be united and blessed always.
“No matter what challenges and troubles that cross our paths, we will never give up.
“Let’s rise together! Ayuh Malaysiaku!” said Khairy to rousing cheers from the crowd during his welcoming address at the opening ceremony of Kuala Lumpur 2017 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium last night.
Malaysia hosted the SEA Games in 1989 and 2001.
Also present were Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Reflecting on Malaysia’s nationhood, Khairy noted that six decades ago, a dream and hope for an independent nation came true and six years later, a bigger dream to form a peaceful Malaysia with various religions and ethnicities materialised.
Khairy said there were many factors that helped that dream become a reality and one of it was sports.
“When we support our sportsmen and sportswomen, we do not ask them what race they are.
“We drown our differences and the one thing that emerges is our similarities which come from a noble heart which displays nothing but undivided love for our country,” he said to resounding cheers.
Khairy also said that many gathered and watching at home believe in the power of sports “to unite, to inspire and to bring the very best out of us”.
“It is for this very reason that the SEA Games has been such an important part of shaping the community of South-East Asian nations that is now coming of age,” he added.
Statesmen from the South-East Asian countries came together to forge a shared future five decades ago, he said.
“They believed that we would be stronger as a region, as one. Their dream has stood the test of time and unfolding of history.
“Fifty years later, this region stands as a true community – peaceful and prosperous,” he said.
Khairy said the foundation of a shared past, present and future came from creating a collective experience for the people in the region.
“The SEA Games,” he added, “is the best example as every two years, 11 nations come together not just to compete but to celebrate the South-East Asian community.”
“Through the games we create excitement, we forge memories and we leave a legacy of friendship and sportsmanship.
“And we have all come a long way. Our countries are not only fast developing but we now have Olympic and world champions.
“These and future champions were and will be born at the SouthEast Asian Games. For many of them the SEA Games will remain special, because this is where it all began.
“That is why the theme for the 29th SEA Games is ‘Rising Together’,” he proclaimed.
Earlier, SEA Games Federation chairman Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar delivered a brief welcome speech in which he thanked the King for his presence at the auspicious occasion and expressed confidence that the KL Games, under Khairy’s leadership, would be one of the best in history.