Fatimah on the benefits of taking martial arts

KUCHING: Martial arts can function as a tool to assist the younger generation in preparing themselves for a tougher and challenging future.

MARTIAL ARTS: Fatimah (centre) receives a warm welcome at the Kuching Martial Arts Display 2010 on Saturday. Also seen is Chan (second right).

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah pointed out that the current world that is highly competitive demands spiritually, socially and physically strong individuals.

“The very dynamic and liberal nature of this global society requires its members to become participants and contributors who are versatile, agile and resilient rather than mere spectators or bystanders,” said Fatimah during the Kuching Martial Arts Display 2010 here last Saturday night.

She added that martial arts was not merely about developing physical toughness, but it could also improve one’s self esteem, inner strength, tolerance, resilience and patience.

“Apart from developing those who practise it from the inside, martial arts at the same time provides opportunities for the development of fellowship and comradeship, apart from the sense of belonging,” she said.

She later added, “It is equally important to continuously educate and instill among all sectors of our society the right and appropriate values and attitudes, which can further inculcate and propagate safe social environment, friendly atmosphere and meaningful community participation.”

In another note, Fatimah said the state government was fully aware of the needs and very supportive of such activities as it could bring people from different and diverse socio-cultural background together.

Earlier on, Kuching City South Commission (MBKS) mayor James Chan said he was delighted to see participants from various races and described it as a sign of how lucky Malaysians were to live together in peace and harmony.

“In Malaysia, there is tolerance and understanding, there is a spirit of give and take, and there is tremendous goodwill amongst all the races, and let us preserve these characteristics of our society,” said Chan.

He added that it was timely to see martial arts especially from Asia to gain more popularity and higher recognition, especially in competitive sporting event such as the Asian Games and Olympic.

“We also hope that more of our people take this into a better level such as the world stage and share this lovely art to everybody around the world,” he said.

Among the associations taking part during the Saturday event at the State’s Hockey Stadium were Taiji Gong Shibashi Association, Rumpun Silat Sarawak, Sarawak Taekwando Association, Wushu Association of Sarawak and Akido Association.