KUCHING: President of Sarawak Body Builder Association (SBBA) Dato Wee Hong Seng refutes claims the association has neglected the welfare of two-time Mr Asia, Bujang Taha ,who died recently at the age of 77.
Bujang, who won the Mr Asia title in 1980 and 81, fell into hard times after he retired from the sport and his death sparked accusations that the state government and the SBBA had not done enough for him in his retirement.
A news portal report said a former national bodybuilder described him as a gentleman who never asked for anything for his contribution to the sport insinuating that Bujang was not given his due recognition by the state and the association.
“It is a shameful attack to the association,” Wee said when asked by reporters about that accusation at Sky Garden Recreational Park yesterday.
Wee, who is also the deputy president of Malaysian Body Builder Association (MBBA), said he welcomed constructive criticism but took exception when allegations that Bujang was cast aside in his retirement were hurled at the association and the state.
He said SBBA came to Bujang’s aid several times and gave him a special award for his achievements.
“When his house was gutted by fire years back, we gave him financial support and made a special trophy for his lifetime achievement.”