(From right) Mawan in lively conversation with Wee and Andy during the courtesy call at the ministry’s office in Bangunan Baitulmakmur.
Wee (left) presents a memento from SBBA to Mawan.
KUCHING: Sarawak has many a time proven its worth when it comes to achievements in sports, but lack of consistency remains a scourge in keeping the momentum, with Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan likening this to ‘having a good car with no after-sales service’.
“I’m afraid that we, sport bodies included, may have overlooked certain things. I believe it’s never our objective of seeing our athletes ‘win today, lose tomorrow’. The current trend (in sports achievement) seems to be on the rise, but we all as a team must keep that momentum going,” he said when hosting delegates from Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) led by its president Dato’ Wee Hong Seng, at the ministry’s office in Bangunan Baitulmakmur here on Thursday.
Mawan, in talking about the subject, agreed that the system would need a revamp. He said on the associations’ part, the objective in grooming and developing sports talents should be based on upholding Sarawak’s name in local and international arenas – instead of being preoccupied with ‘in-house politics’.
“Champions aren’t created overnight but when they begin to show potential, it is your (sports associations) duty to polish that potential and strengthen your succession plans. On the ministry’s side, we not only act as your coordinator and collaborator towards that goal, but we are also willing to listen and help you out such as in the provision of incentives to motivate your athletes,” he added.
The courtesy call by SBBA was meant to brief Mawan on the state’s hosting of the 47th Mr Malaysia bodybuilding championships in Sibu next year, as well as the outstanding achievements of state bodybuilders during this year’s outing in Labuan. On this, Mawan commended the association for efforts in stamping the state’s pride in Malaysian bodybuilding. However, he also reminded the delegates against resting on their laurels.
“I have been informed that our former champ here George (Awi, state’s bodybuilding coach) is training our new talents. Keep this up. I also appreciate that SBBA has come to the ministry at this time. I believe that although it’s ‘better late than never’, it is much better to be ‘early than late’,” he said.
Mawan also advised SBBA to stay in touch with his officers regarding the proposed funding for the next year’s hosting job, assuring that his ministry would provide assistance for organisation of the national-level event.
SBBA honorary secretary Andy Ismail expressed their appreciation to Mawan for his willingness in supporting the hosting of Mr Malaysia next year.
He said SBBA would work closely with the ministry to make it the best ever hosted by any state.
“Our thumbs-up for Sibu for being chosen as the host. We are confident that with the ministry’s support as well as others involved, we would be able not only to host the best Mr Malaysia ever, but also to promote Sarawak, particularly Sibu, in terms of tourism,” he said.