KUCHING: National body-builder Buda Anchah might have won titles for the country but he has never represented his home state Sarawak.
A Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) personnel, he has been active in both the national and international body-buiding scene since 1996.
“I first take up this (body-building) as means to occupy his free time and hobby at first. After I realised that I can go far in this, I then decided to push myself to go as far as I can,” he told The Borneo Post.
His latest achievement was winning the masters category of the Mr Asia championship in Macau last week.
But why has Buda never represented Sarawak?
According to Buda, he owes his services to the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) as it was the ATM who played a big role in his body-building career.
It is possible for him to represent the state, he said, as long as there is an authorised letter from the Sarawak Body-Buidling Association (SBBA) to the ATM.
“They (ATM) have done so much for me. I can never forget their contribution even though my heart is always with Sarawak,” he added.
Asked about the matter, SBBA president Dato Wee Hong Seng felt that it does not matter if Buda represent the state or not.
For him, as long as the person is a Sarawakian, that is fine with him.
“Should Buda decide to represent Sarawak in the future, he will always be welcome. We shall welcome him with open arm as there is always a place for him here.”
Wee believes Buda can also serve as a mentor to other young local body-builders.
For the record, Buda will retire from the RMAF next year and he plans to return to Sarawak for good.