PUTRAJAYA: Thirty-three civil servants who did the nation proud through their achievements in the recent Myanmar SEA Games and other international competitions last year received recognition and incentives from the government.
The incentives under the Malaysian Government Services Welfare and Recreation Council Incentive Scheme (Maksak) was presented by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa at the Perdana Putra building, here, yesterday.
Among the notable recipients were seven-time Mr Universe bodybuilding title winner Sazali Abd Samad, who received RM18,000; Buda Anchah (RM12,000) and Johor sportsman Mohd Jironi Ridhuan.
Ali Hamsa in his speech said unearthing athletes and developing them to excel was not an easy task and needs the cooperation of all the relevant authorities in the civil service.
“I urge the coaches and athletes to work towards a paradigm shift to absorb elements of sports science and state of the art technology to improve their performances,” he said.
Ali Hamsa said Maksak had a rich tradition and history in the sports arena since its formation in 1956 as many notable athletes had come through its mill.
He said names like sprinters Tan Sri Dr M Jegathesan, Datuk Marina Chin, Rabuan Pit and the late Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Minhat who is known as ‘Raja Bola’ were products of Maksak.
“The excellent legacy has continued through athletes like Sazali Samad and shooter Nor Suryani Taibi,” he said.
He hoped the achievement of these athletes and the incentives offered to them would inspire other athletes in the civil service to raise their performance in their respective fields. — Bernama