Richard Lai is flanked by Dester Silam (left) and Christine Mitus.
TAWAU: Richard Chai who emerged as the best speaker in the state-level Pidato 1 Malaysia speech competition here, will represent Sabah at the national level on June 22 in Miri, Sarawak.
The 25-year-old radio announcer of Radio Universiti Sabah, took home a cash prize of RM1,500, a trophy and a certificate.
Richard Lai who represented the Southern West Coast Division, spoke on ‘Creativity and innovation, the impetus to produce excellent race’ and impressed the three judges who picked him as the best speaker.
The annual competition was held at Dewan Wawasan, Kampung Wallace Bay, Pulau Sebatik, Tawau. It was organized by the Sabah Information Department.
Sebatik assemblyman Datuk Haji Abdul Muis bin Pico officiated the event on Saturday morning, which was attended by Sabah Information Department director Haji Almain Ajirul.
Dester Silam from Tawau Division was the first runner-up, while Christine bte Mitus from Lower Interior Division emerged as the second runner-up.
Dester received a cash prize of RM1,000, a trophy and a certificate while Christine took home RM500 cash, a trophy and a certificate.
The other three speakers, Badariah bte Arbin from Sandakan Division, Chu Wai Seng from North West Coast Division and Khairulnizam Ryan Lasio from Upper Interior Division each received consolation prize of RM300 and a certificate.
Head judge Hj Suwadi Hj Guliling said the participants were excellent in the use of the Malay language although they were from the non-Malay category.
He noted that requesting answers for spontaneous questions after their speech was a good approach which should be carried out every year.