SIMANGGANG: Sarawak wants its major successes in economic development to be translated into dominance in the sporting arena.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak’s increasingly prominent economic achievements, including the acquisition of Affin Bank and ownership of Menara AFFIN at Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) in Kuala Lumpur, should serve as inspiration for the state’s athletes to achieve similar success at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
“When Sarawakians compete in SUKMA later and see the tall buildings at TRX, that is a symbol of Sarawak’s economic success because we have taken over a bank. So in SUKMA too, we want to be champions,” he said when closing the Sukan Sarawak (SUKSAR) at the Sri Aman Indoor Complex here today.
Abang Johari said that although SUKMA will be held in Selangor this year and not in Sarawak, the fighting spirit of the state’s athletes must remain high.
“At the last SUKMA, Sarawak emerged as the overall champion. Therefore, we must continue to fight all out.
“In Sri Aman, Kilat Boy has brought glory to Sarawak in boxing, while in swimming, do not challenge Sarawak’s athlete (Datuk Pandelela Rinong).
“This means that when a Sarawakian is placed in the sea, he becomes an island, and when placed on land, he becomes a mountain,” he said.
He added that Sarawak athletes have also recorded commendable performances in other events, including bowling and men’s singles badminton, which has shown significant improvement, particularly from Miri.
In a related development, he also praised the improved performance of Kuching City FC after the team recorded victories over Brunei and Negeri Sembilan.
“This shows that our football is improving. Congratulations to Kuching City. It is not impossible for them to advance to the quarter-finals, then the semi-finals and the final.
“Even if we meet Johor Darul Ta’zim, we can compete with them,” he added.
