Taib: Turn S’wak into golf powerhouse

0

NEW ERA: Taib holding a memento presented to him after launching the 25th KGS silver jubilee celebration while Morshidi (left) and Professor Shafiq Abdullah look on.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Golf Club (KGS) should look into inculcating the interest of sports towards the younger generation in order to produce talented sports personalities to represent the state.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud who pointed this said there should be an effort to promote a wide spectrum of sports, especially among the youths, similar to the achievements in other sports such as diving and tennis.

“It is my hope to see the state to be able to produce a steady string of capable golf players, which in the end can turn Sarawak into a golf powerhouse,” said Taib.

“With proper planning, it is not possible that the newer generations of Sarawakian will be recognised individuals in golf,” he added.

Taib, who is also KGS president, was speaking at the KGS 25th Silver Jubilee celebration on Saturday night.

On another matter, Taib urged the club committee to not limit the function of the club solely as a centre for golf.

“The club should serve as a point where professionals and intellectuals could gather, socialize while at the same time enjoying the sport that they loved,” he said.

He further added that it is his wish to see KGS to continue enjoying advancement and becoming a premier centre of social activity in the Petra Jaya area.

He also thanked the founder of KGS, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman Ya’kub and also former club deputy president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. Wong Soon Kai who he described as a dedicated person who had successfully turned KGS into what it is today.

Earlier on, KGS deputy president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani in his speech lauded the visionary aim of Taib into turning the club from its start into a 36 hole golf course of international standard.

“He has been relentless in giving his full support and personal attention to bring about his vision and long term development for KGS into reality. Apart from the course, the club now has an Olympic size swimming pool, gym, tennis, squash and badminton court, a banquet hall and a five star restaurant.”

“KGS last year also achieved another milestone with the presentation of ‘The Best Golf Course in East Malaysia’ award,” he added.

Among activities lined up to commemorate the Silver Jubilee are golf tournament, badminton and tennis competitions, swimming, drawing and colouring contest, fishing competition, karaoke, food fair and exhibition.